KARACHI: While the intermediate examinations in Karachi will start from July 26, the Sindh Ministry of Health has recommended a 10-day lockdown in Karachi to control the rising number of coronavirus cases.
All preparations for the exams have been completed, Board Intermediate Education Karachi Chairman Dr Saeeduddin said on Monday. However, it bears mentioning that Karachi reported 1,236 new cases in the last 24 hours and its positivity rate has reached 23 percent.
As of the timing of filing, no lockdown has been imposed and the decision will be taken by the coronavirus task force of the Sindh government.
More than 155,000 students will appear in the intermediate exams for which 210 examination centres have been established, he said.
Dr Saeeduddin said that necessary steps have been taken to ensure transparency and curb cheating during the exams.
“Special arrangements have been made to stop illegal practices in the exams.”
The BIEK chief said that 66 centres have been declared sensitive, adding that they have written a letter to the DG Rangers Sindh for security.
The Cybercrime Wing of the Federal Investigation Agency has also been approached after getting complaints about the use of WhatsApp for cheating.
“If a student is found using a mobile phone during the paper, their paper will be cancelled.”
Meanwhile, Authorities have advised people to wear masks in public places.
The Sindh Government decided to close schools and ban indoor dining from July 16.
Schools for classes one to eight have been closed, while students of class nine and above will only sit for their exams.
Access to picnic points such as Seaview, Hawkesbay, and the Keenjhar Lake has been disallowed. Indoor sports activities and recreational facilities such as cinemas and amusement parks are closed too.
