Punjab govt issues new directives for educational institutions amid heatwave

LAHORE: The Punjab government, in response to an ongoing heatwave that has seen temperatures reach record highs, provided guidance to the province‘s public and private schools for the safety of students, which also includes a change in the dress code for students.

Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, in a statement to authorities advising them to be alert for excessive temperatures and high risk of heat–related health emergencies, is asking the public to use precaution.

She is asking all parents to keep children inside to reduce the risk of heat-related health emergencies and is requesting schools provide time to drop the temperature inside before beginning outdoor activities.

In her announcement, the Chief Minister is requesting schools to suspend outdoor activities until further notice. She stated that all classrooms should have one working fan and that schools should assess the comfort of students before these activities occur.

Due to excessive heat, Maryam Nawaz states students would wear their more comfortable, lighter clothing for school hours, and that every school would carry a basic first aid kit at the school.

The Chief Minister indicated for some public spaces like public markets, crowded spaces (or endemic transport infrastructure), there should be access to shade, cool drinking water, and first aid.