In view of the upcoming festival season and following advice from experts that crowding will lead to spread of the virus, the government announced a few more restrictions. The restrictions were announced after chief minister M K Stalin held a review meeting in view of the increasing number of covid cases.
Malls, theatres, showrooms, amusement parks, gyms, textiles, beauty parlours and restaurants will be allowed to function only with 50% of capacity. Only 50% of the people should use dine-in at a time in restaurants, lodges, bakeries and others.
The existing restrictions will continue for places of worship. The restrictions on social, cultural and political meetings will continue.
A maximum of only 100 people will be allowed for marriages, and only 50 people will be allowed for funerals.
The government also says that buses should be operated only with seating capacity while metro rail should allow only 50% of the people to be seated.Covid-19 protocols should be followed while using open air playgrounds and parks while there should be only 50% spectators in stadiums and for sporting events.
The order also stresses that shops should follow guidelines and should keep sanitisers at the entry points, staff and customers should wear masks and staff in commercial establishments should be vaccinated. Airconditioning should be avoided on such premises.
Tamil Nadu government has stopped physical classes for students of Classes 1 to 8 till January 10. But offline classes will continue for students of classes 9 to 12, and colleges following all Covid protocols, reported ANI.
Tamil Nadu Covid cases increased with 76 Omicron variant infection cases. The total number of Omicron cases in Tamil Nadu has become 120, according to the health department. The total number of cases was 46 on Thursday. However, along with the rise in new infections, the recovery rate also improved with 66 people getting discharged from hospitals. Chennai districts had the most Omicron cases at 95 followed by Chengalpet with five cases, Madurai four and Thiruvallur three.
CHENNAI: The state higher education department on Monday ordered all colleges, universities, deemed universities, autonomous colleges, and self-financing institutions across
to start holding classes in physical mode for six days a week with immediate effect.
The department had postponed semester exams beyond January 20 after a section of students protested against holding exams offline when classes were conducted in both offline and online modes. Student bodies also wanted more time to prepare for offline exams.
The circular issued by higher education secretary
directed educational institutions to reschedule theory exams after January 20.
Institutions asked to conduct model exams
It further asked colleges that had completed their syllabi in online mode to conduct revision classes in physical mode to help students grasp and understand subjects better. The institutions were also asked to conduct model examinations before semester exams and offer course material.
The circular directed the Directorate of Technical Education and Directorate of Collegiate Education to order all colleges under their control and universities to function with full strength of teaching and non-teaching staff. The circular further asked district collectors to ensure higher educational institutions adhere to the instructions.
Deemed universities, however, said postponing exams will affect internship and job opportunities of students studying in final semester. "The state will lose its competitive edge because graduating students will join late. Students who have internships in reputed organisations from January will face problems. Students proceeding abroad also cannot go," said a deemed university official.
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