In wake of an increase in dengue cases at an alarming rate in Karachi, Commissioner Karachi has issued new SOPs for educational institutions.

According to the SOPs issued by commissioner Karachi, assembly and physical training sessions in all public and private educational institutions will be suspended for one month, while all students will be required to wear full-sleeved clothes.

The notification said that educational institutions must conduct fumigation drives regularly and hold awareness sessions regarding the spread of vector-borne diseases.

It said that drinking water tanks should be kept completely clean. If there is any information about dengue in any institution, immediately inform the concerned administration. it added.

The notification came after Sindh health department in its report said that dengue virus patients continue to increase in Karachi at an alarming rate, adding that 403 new cases have been reported during last 24 hours.

It said that nine people have lost their lives due to dengue in the port city, while the highest number of deaths were reported in district east.

According to the health department, 2,152 cases have been reported in the province since September 1, while 4,352 cases have been reported across Sindh this year.