COVID-19 Impact: Tamil Nadu suspends physical classes for students of 1 to 8 until January 10

The physical classes for students of 9 to 12 in schools will take place but with strict Covid-19 SOPs and restrictions. Schools will have to make sure that these SOPs are followed every time.

Owing to the rise in COVID-19 cases, Tamil Nadu has announced the closure of schools across the state for physical classes until January 10. Schools for Classes 1 to 8 will remain closed and also playschools and nursery schools have been barred from functioning.

The notice further states that physical classes for students of 9 to 12 in schools will take place but with strict Covid-19 SOPs and restrictions. Schools will have to make sure that these SOPs are followed every time. Similarly, classes in colleges across the state will be held with strict Covid-19 SOPs.

With the upcoming festival season, the government has released new guidelines and restrictions to avoid the further spread of COVID-19. The restrictions were announced after chief minister M K Stalin held a review meeting in view of the increasing number of Covid cases and the threat of the Omicron variant.

Malls, theatres, showrooms, amusement parks, gyms, textiles, beauty parlors and restaurants have been directed to function with only 50 per cent capacity. Only 50 per cent of people will be allowed to dine-in at a time in restaurants, lodges, bakeries and others.

A maximum of only 100 people will be allowed for marriages, and only 50 people will be allowed for funerals. The government has also directed that buses will be allowed to operate only with the seating capacity while the metro has to operate with only 50 per cent of people's seating capacity. 

The order also stressed that shops should follow guidelines and should keep sanitizers at the entry points, staff and customers should wear masks and staff in commercial establishments should be vaccinated.

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