COVID-19: Tamil Nadu extends lockdown till 6 September

The Tamil Nadu government on Saturday extended the Covid-induced lockdown in the state till September 6 with some more additional restrictions.

Tamil Nadu will reopen schools for students of Classes 9 to 12 from 1 September with 50 per cent capacity, strictly adhering to standard operating procedures (SOPs) following a rotational system. However, regarding reopening schools for Classes 1 to 8, discussions will be initiated post September 15.

In a boost to the film industry, the government has permitted theatres to operate in the State from August 23 with 50 per cent occupancy.

The government also opened up beaches, zoological parks, botanical gardens and boathouses to the general public.

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Shops are allowed to remain open till 10 pm effective from September 23 while IT and ITeS companies in the state are allowed to function with 100 per cent strength.

Inter-State public bus transport to Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka will be permitted by following standard operating procedures, the government said.

Swimming pools will be allowed to open only for competition training purposes. Bars inside resorts and lodges will be allowed to remain open.

All places of worship will continue to remain closed to the public on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. However, the state government has requested the citizens once again to maintain social distancing and wear masks in public areas.

(With inputs from agencies)