The new year will begin with new lockdown restrictions in Tamil Nadu, raising concerns over the sharp rise in novel coronavirus cases, according to Omicron edition.
On Friday, when the daily count of cases touched 1,155, crossing the 1,000-mark after several months, Chief Minister MK Stalin chaired a review meeting and announced restrictions that would remain in force till January 10.
As per the announcement physical classes cannot be conducted for class 10 students. I-VIII, and play schools and kindergartens will remain closed.
Physical classes for the classroom. IX-XII and colleges and ITIs will be allowed with standard operating procedures. Existing norms will have to be followed at places of worship.
Mr Stalin said all exhibitions and book fairs (including the Chennai Book Fair which is scheduled to begin on January 6) have been postponed.
Only 50% of customers will be allowed to dine at a given time in restaurants, hotels and bakeries. Only 50% of the patrons will be allowed in the amusement and amusement parks. The number of guests at weddings and related events has been limited to 100. Only 50 persons will be allowed in the last rites.
At jewelery and textile shops, owners must ensure that only 50% of the customers are allowed in at any given time. Even in gyms, yoga centers and clubs, only 50% of patrons should be allowed at any one time.
Standing will not be allowed in public transport buses, while only 50% of passengers will be allowed in Chennai Metro Rail. Similarly, multiplexes/cinemas/theatres can fill only 50% of their seats. Only 50% customers will be allowed in beauty parlors, salons and spas. Sporting events will be allowed in the open ground in compliance with the rules, while only 50% of the spectators can be allowed in the indoor stadium.
The existing restrictions on social, cultural and political events will continue.
Since the uninfected population above 60 years of age has a “high probability” of getting infected with the Omicron variant, the chief minister requested them to get the vaccine. He insisted that those who had only taken the first dose should take the second dose.
“The owners and employees of commercial establishments should have been vaccinated,” Mr Stalin said, urging all establishments to avoid air conditioning and ensure physical distancing between customers.
He said that only essential activities would be allowed in containment zones. House-to-house surveys will be conducted in areas with high rates of infection. “The appropriate behavior and norms of COVID will be monitored and those violating these norms will be fined,” Mr Stalin said.
Earlier in the day, Mr Stalin chaired a meeting at the Secretariat to review the spread of the COVID-19 situation, Omicron edition, and lockdown restrictions. Water Resources Minister Duraimurugan, Municipal Administration and Water Supply Minister KN Nehru, Cooperation Minister I Periyasamy, Higher Education Minister K. Ponmudi, Public Works Minister EV Velu, Health Minister Mr. Subramaniam and senior officials attended the meeting.
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