Chennai: The Tamil Nadu government on Tuesday ordered the reopening of schools for Classes 1 to 8 from November 1. After more than one and a half years, the students are going to attend school in physical form. However, the state said that the lockdown will continue and has extended the lockdown till October 31 due to the festival seasons.
In a press release on Tuesday, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin said, "Based on the suggestions provided by the medical team, educationist and parents, educational institutions for Class 9-12 students and colleges have started. Similarly, the medical professionals and others opine that Classes 1 to 8 students are at home for a long time and this has created stress and a gap for social engagement.”
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“Hence, based on the suggestions, the Tamil Nadu government has decided to reopen the schools for Classes 1 to 8 students by following the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) from November 1," the Chief Minister said.
Other Relaxations
As part of the other relaxations, the Tamil Nadu CM has given nod to conduct district grievances day at the Collectorate every Monday and grievances meet for farmers monthly once by following the SOPs.
However, the decision of the government to close the religious places and places of people's congregations to continue on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, as per the release. The ban for social, political and cultural events will also continue, it added.
The state government also requested the people to follow the COVID-19 guidelines. It also requested shops and offices to provide hand sanitizer with dispensers and pass the visitors through thermal screening.