NE NEWS SERVICE
CHENNAI, AUG 22
The MK Stalin-led DMK government in Tamil Nadu extended the overall lockdown-like curbs in the state till 6am on September 6, but also announced certain relaxation. The decision comes after chief minister Stalin held a meeting on the Covid-19 situation on Saturday.
The existing restrictions were scheduled to end on August 23.
The CM announced these decisions after reviewing the pandemic situation with secretaries and medical experts and appealed to the people to judiciously use the relaxations. “The members of the public should utilise the relaxations being extended by the government in a responsible manner. I appeal to the people to utilise the relaxations properly as the decisions have been made taking into consideration people’s livelihood, besides students’ education and future,” the Chief Minister said.
The government has allowed schools for classes 9 to 12 and all colleges, including polytechnics to function from September 1 on a shift basis.
The government said it is also considering reopening schools for kindergarten and classes 1 to 8 after September 15 after consultations and depending on the implementation of the safety norms for the senior classes that are now allowed to reopen. For the senior classes, the noon-meal scheme can also function, the government said. The government has mandated that all staff including non-teaching staff must be vaccinated.
Following the continued decline in COVID-19 cases, all shops can stay open till 10pm, according to latest orders issued by Tamil Nadu government. Earlier, they were allowed only to remain open till 9pm.
Theatres across Tamil Nadu have been permitted to open with 50 percent seating capacity from Monday (August 23). Theatre owners have been asked to ensure that all workers are 100 perecent vaccinated.
The beaches too have been allowed to reopen, but the shopkeepers and small traders around the beach area have been asked to get themselves vaccinated.
Zoos and botanical gardens have also been allowed to reopen.
Public buses to neighbouring states of Andhra and Karnataka allowed, and have to follow COVID appropriate behaviour. IT offices can function with 100 per cent workforce.
Swimming pools are still closed for general public, but those being used for purpose of training for competition can open. However, all trainers and trainees above 18 years have been asked to get themselves vaccinated.
