In response to a growing pinkeye outbreak in the province, the Punjab government has taken decisive action. All public and private schools in Punjab will be closed from September 28 to October 1, aiming to curb the spread of conjunctivitis.

Conjunctivitis, an inflammation of the transparent membrane lining the eyelid and eyeball, has rapidly spread throughout Punjab. State-run hospitals in the province have reported a staggering 500-600 patients. The city of Lahore has seen the highest number of infections, affecting people of all age groups.

A significant concern is the increasing number of school-going children contracting pinkeye. This is often due to a lack of adherence to precautions at schools. Reports also suggest that school administrations are encouraging infected students to stay home and urging parents to provide special care.

Medical experts point out that pinkeye spreads quickly in densely populated areas with unfavorable environmental conditions, such as factories, markets, and shopping plazas.

In light of the rising cases, the Punjab School Education Department has issued a notification declaring four days of holidays. Schools will reopen on October 2, with strict adherence to standard operating procedures to prevent further disease transmission.

Interim Punjab Chief Minister Mohsin Naqvi, in a video message, explained that the school holidays were implemented to reduce the disease’s spread. He estimated a 50% reduction in cases as a result of these measures. Additionally, when educational institutions reopen, eye inspections will be conducted to ensure students’ health and safety.

As Punjab grapples with the pinkeye outbreak, these measures aim to protect the health of the population, especially its school-going children.