Chennai: The Tamilnadu government has eased more Covid-19 restrictions, permitting 100 per cent occupancy in cinema halls and functioning of schools for classes one to eight on a ‘rotational’ basis from 1 November. As part of the new set of relaxations, it also announced lifting of time curbs on the functioning of shops, among others.
Film exhibitors can heave a sigh of relief with the government allowing full occupancy of cinemas from 1 November. All buses (inter- and intra-district), including air-conditioned, can ply with 100 per cent occupancy, except those bound for Kerala. The condition that hotels, bakeries and shops should shut in the State by 11. p.m. has been lifted with immediate effect.
Also, indoor and outdoor sports, sports training, and the use of swimming pools for ‘therapeutic purposes’ have been permitted with immediate effect.
The government said that schools are permitted to conduct classes from Grade one to eight on a rotational basis and cinema halls are allowed 100 per cent occupancy while adhering to the Covid-19 protocols.
It also added that bars and standalone bars are also permitted to operate. Film shootings with the required crew following all Covid-19 rules are allowed and those taking part should be mandatorily vaccinated twice.
The State government had previously extended the lockdown till 31 October. It has now been extended for 15 more days starting 1 November.
The announcement of the opening of cinema halls has come as a breather for the Tamil film industry, which is waiting for the Deepavali release of Rajinikanth-starrer Annaatthe under the banner of Sun Pictures.
The government has urged all those aged above 18 to take their first and second doses of vaccine to help prevent the spread of the contagion.
