Physical classes for IX to XII in Tamil Nadu likely to begin on September 1

Ban on worship in religious places on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.

Tamil Nadu government is planning to resume physical classes for students in Class IX, X, XI and XII from September 1 with 50% of the class strength, complying with the Standard Operating Procedure. Schools have remained shut on account of COVID-19 lockdown. The government has also extended the ongoing lockdown till 6 a.m. on August 23 with some fresh restrictions to avoid crowding in certain places. In a statement on Friday, Chief Minister M.K. Stalin said during a discussion with medical experts that they “unanimously” expressed their opinion that schools should reopen. The School Education Department has been instructed to undertake preliminary works towards the reopening of schools for these students. “The experts said children were under depression since they continue to remain indoors, and it has created a gap in the learning process among students. Moreover, they pointed out that a majority of students could not attend online classes being [due to network and gadget issues],” Mr. Stalin said.