Chennai: Tamilnadu Chief Minister M K Stalin announced extension of Covid lockdown till 2 March while easing more curbs.

In a statement here after chairing a high-level meet, he said the decision to extend the lockdown from 16 February to March two was taken after a meeting with senior officials of the government and taking into account the declining trend in the daily Covid caseload.

He said further relaxations were announced taking into account that there was significant reduction in admissions in hospitals and keeping in mind the state’s economy and the future of the students.

He said from 16 February, LKG, UKG and play schools would be allowed to function. All India industrial trade fairs will also be allowed to be conducted.

While the ban on social, cultural and political meetings would continue, the Chief Minister doubled the participation of people in weddings from 100 to 200 and in death-related evens from 50 to 100. Cinema theaters and hotels will be allowed to function with 100 per cent occupancy.

He also appealed to follow all the Covid protocols like wearing facemasks, hand washing and maintaining social distancing.

Nearly two years after they were closed due as Covid-19 began its spread, the Tamilnadu government on Saturday announced the reopening of playschools and nursery schools with Lower KG and Upper KG sections from Wednesday.

The latest announcement involves withdrawing almost all significant restrictions that were in place due to the pandemic.

In the meeting chaired by the Chief Minister at the Secretariat, Chief Secretary V Irai Anbu and other senior state officials participated.
Physical classes commenced on February 1 for school children from grades 1 to 12 and college students as well.