Colleges, offline classes for IX, XI students to start from Feb 8

Colleges, offline classes for IX, XI students to start from Feb 8

Ragu Raman@timesgroup.com

Chennai:01.02.2021

The state government on Sunday allowed colleges to reopen and conduct classes for all undergraduate and postgraduate students on February 8. Offline teaching for Classes IX and XI in schools can also start from that date, a statement issued by chief minister Edappadi K Palaniswami on Sunday said.

The state, which allowed reopening of colleges for final year students from December 7, 2020, and schools for Classes X and XII from January 19, 2021, has now allowed hostels in educational institutions to function.

Movie theatres, including multiplexes and screens in malls, will be allowed to operate at 100% seating capacity from February 1, the CM said, announcing fresh relaxations from curbs initiated to help prevent the spread of Covid-19 in the state.

TN has recorded less than 550 fresh cases per day in the past 10 days. “The total number of active cases has come down from more than 50,000 cases to 4,629 cases,” the CM said.

While swimming pools and exhibition halls can be opened by adhering to standard operating procedures, petrol pumps will be allowed to function 24 hours from February 1. Public grievances redressal meetings can also be held.

FULL HOUSE: The state govt allowed cinema theatres to operate with 100% seating capacity. TN theatres reopened in November 2020 with 50% seating capacity

Religious gatherings allowed at 50% capacity

The state has also allowed indoor meetings, including religious gatherings, cultural events, college festivals and entertainment events at either 50% capacity or up to a maximum of 600 people. Devotees will be allowed to take holy dip at Rameswaram temple.

The ban on international flights, except for those allowed by the Union home ministry, will continue.

Officials from colleges and universities said they would conduct practical experiments for all students on rotational basis using the relaxation. “The state government has already said attendance was not mandatory for this semester. So online classes would continue for all students and physical classes will be made optional,” an official from the Madras University said.

Colleges like Loyola are planning to conduct a survey among students to plan the reopening from February 8, while some colleges have convened meetings with their staff members.