Colleges, classes for 9 & 11 in TN to begin from Feb 8

CHENNAI: The State government on Sunday further relaxed the restrictions for schools and colleges from February 8, while extending the general lockdown till February 28, following meetings with District Collectors and health experts.

“Following SOPs, classes for all years of undergraduate and post graduate colleges can function from February 8. Regular classes for students of 9 and 11 will also resume from February 8,” Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami stated in a release. Classes for students of 10 and 12 started from January 19 and hostel facilities for them also opened this month. Hostel facilities for students of colleges, varsities shall also open.

The government also provided more relaxations for movie theatres, fuel stations, swimming pools and sports events from February 1. The seating capacity in theatres has been increased from 50 to 100%. The time limit set for fuel stations have been removed and they will function round the clock. Earlier, the limit was 6 am to 10 pm. Exhibition halls will also open following all SOPSs. The seating capacity in indoor halls, which was restricted to 50% and 200 people, has been relaxed to a maximum of 600 people. However, for outdoor meetings, the rule of maximum seating capacity of 50% remains.

For stadia and venues of sports events including cricket, 50% audience will be permitted from February 1. Restrictions on public grievance redressal meetings held in Collectorates on Mondays and other public meetings related to government have also been lifted. Public can also take holy dips in Rameswaram.

However, restrictions on air travel will continue as flights will be operated only in routes permitted by the Union Home Ministry. Also, restrictions in containment zones will continue. Guidelines and SOPs for preventing the spread of COVID-19 would apply, Palaniswami said and appealed to people to follow social distancing, wear masks and wash hands.