Federal Minister for Education and Professional Training Shafat Mahmood on Wednesday announced that all educational institutes in areas with a high COVID-19 positivity ratio will remain closed till April 11.

The federal minister had made this announcement in a press conference after chairing a meeting at the National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC) -- the country's nerve center for unified efforts against coronavirus.

The meeting was attended by provincial education ministers as well as senior officials from the health and education department.

The education minister said that provincial education authorities will decide if closure is to be extended to more areas depending on the severity of the situtaion.

Shafqat Mahmood, on Sunday, had announced that NCOC will take decisions regarding the closure of schools amid worsening third wave of coronavirus.

"The third coronavirus wave is serious; requires careful review. All education/health ministers will meet Wednesday March 24 at the NCOC to take a decision regarding opening or further closure of educational institutions. Health of students, teachers/staff primary consideration."