Spike in Covid cases: Tamil Nadu govt orders closure of schools for Classes IX to XI from March 22

CHENNAI: Following the increase in Covid-19 cases and Covid clusters in schools in a few districts of Tamil Nadu, the state government on Saturday ordered the closure of schools for Classes IX, X and XI from March 22. Physical classes for Class XII students will continue as they have to appear for the board exams.
Tamil Nadu recorded 1,087 new cases on Friday. It crossed the 1000 cases for a single day after 81 days. In Thanjavur 11 schools were closed after more students tested positive.
"The director of public health and preventive medicine have informed that Covid-19 cases were detected in schools in Thanjavur district. In a few other districts too Covid cases were being detected. Though the number of cases are less, it could spread fast to the people in their respective areas through Covid school clusters. To prevent the spread, he recommended to cancel permission given to schools to conduct physical classes from IX to XI," said chief secretary Rajeev Ranjan in a statement.
The director also recommended that schools may continue to conduct physical classes for Class XII students as they are lesser in numbers.
In his recommendation, the DPH said that schools and hostels would be allowed to remain open for Class XII students by adhering to Covid-19 standard operating procedures.
The state government considered these recommendations with the school education department, health and family welfare department and disaster management.
"In view of the increasing Covid-19 cases, to avoid students and general public from getting affected, the orders were issued to close all schools for classes IX, X and XI and the hostels until further orders. However, the online classes will continue for these students," chief secretary said.
Rajeev Ranjan further said that the board exams for other board Class X students, including CBSE and ICSE will be held as announced.
The schools are permitted to hold special classes for these students and operate hostels, he further said in the order.
The chief secretary also urged the people to wear masks and follow social distancing and wash their hands regularly besides asking the eligible persons (60 and above and persons with comorbidities from 45 to 59) to get vaccinated in government and approved private health centres.