New Covid relaxations announced: Schools, colleges, theatres, pubs to open from September 1.
Coimbatore: The Tamil Nadu has announced new Covid relaxations on Saturday. An array of centres including educational institutions, theatres, pubs which remained closed for a long time has now been accorded permission to reopen with restrictions.
Accordingly, schools and colleges will be re-opened in Tamil Nadu from September 1. Classes 9,10,11,12 will operate on a rotational basis from September 1 and the opening of classes 1 to 8 will be announced after further consultation on September 15.
Further public access to beaches, permission to operate swimming pools and anganwadi centers are also permitted. Zoos, botanical gardens, parks and boat houses will be operational from August 23rd onwards. Permission will be given for shops operating in beaches, however the vendors have to ensure vaccination.
The TN government has also allowed shops and businesses that were operating until only 9pm to operate till 10 pm and permission has been given to open bars in hotels and entertainment venues. In addition permission has been given to open theaters with 50% capacity.
IT / IT based service companies will be allowed to operate with 100% staff following standard guidelines. Anganwadi Centers will be allowed to operate for providing lunch from 1.9.2021. District Collectors should ensure that the Anganwadi Center staff have been fully vaccinated. Public buses to Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka will be allowed to operate following standard guidelines.
Kindergarten will be allowed to operate following standard guidelines. All caregivers and staff of kindergartens should be vaccinated. All shops should be well-ventilated and should restrict over-crowding. Sign boards should be put up in front of shops, to remind people of social distancing.
Action will be taken against businesses / other companies that do not follow the above rules and allow more customers than the the permitted capacity. Various awareness campaigns to be conducted by the respective district administrations, heads of local bodies to ensure mass vaccination and keep a close eye on disease spread.
The press release said, "It is mandatory to wear face masks in public places, adhere to social distancing, and wash hands frequently with soap / disinfectant. As soon as symptoms of infection appear, seek medical advice / treatment from nearby hospitals. Further, the public should make full use of these concessions provided by the government with responsibility. The decisions to provide more relaxation is taken in view of the livelihood of all people including students."