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The Tamil Nadu government has decided to withhold its previous decision to open schools for students in classes nine to twelve, after a discussion held with parents and school administrations. The government, in a press release, has stated that schools will not be reopened, as scheduled on 16 November, till further notice.
Meanwhile, for colleges, only final-year students will be expected to attend physical classes. The state has also cancelled its previous announcement giving permission for congregations of up to 100 persons for political, religious and cultural events.
The state government took the 'wait and watch' approach, given the lack of mask hygiene and physical distancing observed ahead of the Diwali festivities in shops and other public areas. The government noted that other countries are currently facing a second wave of the pandemic and that the state has to intensify measures to prevent a further spread of COVID-19.
The state further noted that they received mixed responses on the opening of schools and colleges from 16 November. They have, thus, decided to not open schools. But physical classes for final-year post-graduation and research students pursuing science and technology courses will begin from 2 December.
He further pointed out that the time to be concerned is now, to prevent further spread of the virus.
"Now is the time for people to stay concerned and be more worried. Even a single person can create a cluster at their workplace or residence because the duration of contact has increased. We are not letting down the official guard by reducing testing or fever camps," he had explained.
(This article was first published in The News Minute and has been republished with permission)
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