Covid surge spurs schools closure in several cities Top Story Ag APP ISLAMABAD: The federal government on Wednesday announced the closure of educational institutions in Islamabad and seven cities of Punjab amid a surge in coronavirus cases, less than two weeks after it allowed students to return to classrooms. The development comes as the country saw another 1,786 people testing positive, its highest increase in infections since January 29. Forty-three people died of Covid-related complications in the 24-hour period leading to Wednesday. The decision was made by the National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC) keeping in view the rising trend in Covid-19 cases over the past 10 days, said Minister for Federal Education and Professional Training Shafqat Mahmood at a news conference along with Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Health Dr Faisal Sultan.