Punjab schools, colleges, universities shut till March 31 to prevent coronavirus spread

Tribune News Service
Chandigarh, March 13

The Punjab government has closed all government and private schools, colleges and universities in the state till March 31 as a precautionary measure against the spread of coronavirus.

However, all exams in schools will be held according to schedule, Punjab School Education Minister Vijay Inder Singla announced on Friday.

Ordered closing down of all schools & colleges till Mar 31 in the light of #Covid19. Ongoing school examinations will, however, continue. State machinery is working round the clock to prevent an outbreak. Urge all to avoid crowding at public places & take necessary precautions.

— Capt.Amarinder Singh (@capt_amarinder) March 13, 2020

Punjab Higher Education Minister Tript Rajinder Singh Bjawa said that as the virus was spreading all over the world, Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh had issued directions to the higher education department to take precautionary measures to prevent its spread.

Also read: Italy-returned Hoshiarpur man tests corona positive in first case of Punjab: Health Secy

Punjab has reported one confirmed case of coronavirus so far. A Hoshiarpur resident, who returned from Italy last week had tested positive for coronavirus on Monday.

Also read: 2 Punjab officer couples who returned from abroad quarantined at home