ISLAMABAD: The National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC) has decided toreopen varsities across the country from February 1 which was shut due tothe spread of COVID-19 during its second wave.

A session of the National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC) was heldunder the chair of Asad Umar today which was attended by Special Assistantto Prime Minister on Health Dr Faisal Sultan, Education Minister ShafqatMahmood, health secretary, DRAP head Dr Asif Rauf and others seniorofficials.

During the session, the participants were apprised regarding the COVID-19cases in the educational institutions and the implementation of thestandard operation procedures (SOPs).

The stakeholders were also consulted during the session regarding thecomplete resumption of academic activities in the educational institutions.

After holding consultations, the NCOC decided to reopen varsities acrossthe country from February 1.

Earlier on January 4, a meeting of education ministers had decided toreopen educational institutions across the country in a phase-wise mannerwith classes nine to 12 resuming in the first phase on January 18.