The Tamil Nadu government on Thursday eased COVID-19 restrictions and announced that in-person classes would resume from February 1 for all school students (except play schools, nursery and kindergarten) and colleges, universities and ITIs in compliance with the standard operating procedure. Institutions designated as COVID-19 Care Centres could not function physically.
An official release said there would not be a complete lockdown this Sunday (January 30). The ‘night curfew’ between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m., which is in place across the State, would be suspended with effect from January 28.
The government, however, extended the lockdown till February 15 with certain restrictions. Social, cultural and political meetings cannot be held. The guidelines issued by the State Election Commission are to be strictly followed for the conduct of the urban local bodies elections.
No permission would be granted for exhibitions and cultural events organised by the State and private organisers. Only 50% of the customers would be allowed for dining at restaurants, hostels and bakeries. Only 100 guests would be permitted at weddings and related events and only 50 persons would be allowed at funerals.
Owners of textile and jewellery shops should ensure that only 50% customers were allowed in at any point in time. Likewise, only 50% of customers should be allowed at restaurants, hotels, bakeries, gyms, gaming areas and eating joints in clubs. At gyms and yoga centres, only 50% of the customers should be allowed.
Multiplexes, cinemas and theatres would be permitted to allow only 50% patrons. At indoor stadia, only 50% of spectators should be allowed but there would be no restriction on routine training activities, the government said. Only 50% of the audience should be allowed at indoor seminars and music and theatre events.
Similarly, only 50% of customers should be allowed at beauty parlours, salons and spas as well as at entertainment/amusement parks. But water sports would not be allowed, it said.
With effect from January 28, all places of worship would be allowed to remain open for devotees on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.
Earlier in the day, Mr. Stalin chaired a meeting at the Secretariat to review the COVID-19 situation. Health Minister Ma. Subramanian, Chief Secretary V. Irai Anbu, Director-General of Police C. Sylendrababu and senior officials participated at the meeting.
