An empty road is seen in Chennai in India's southern Tamil Nadu State on June 19, 2020. Photo: Xinhua
Local government in India's southern state of Tamil Nadu on Saturday announced that local movie theatres and education institutions will reopen from Nov. 10 and 16 respectively.
The announcement was made by Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami.
"Considering the representations received from theatre owners, all theatres, including multiplexes and theatres at shopping malls having more than one screens are allowed to operate with 50 percent capacity from Nov. 10," the Chief Minister said.
Schools (classes, 9, 10, 11 and 12), colleges, research institutions and other education institutions will reopen from Nov. 16.
Likewise, religious congregations, social, political, entertainment, cultural and academic functions are allowed to resume from Nov. 16 in the state, with a maximum number of 100 people.
Amusement parks, auditoriums, assembly halls, zoos, museums are allowed to operate from Nov. 10.
The government said lockdown restrictions will continue in containment zones. Swimming pools, beaches and tourism spots will remain out of bounds for people.
Palaniswami said the public should avoid gathering in huge numbers during the festive season.
"Since wearing masks is mandatory, people should wear masks when stepping out. People should wash their hands frequently using soap at home and workplace," Palaniswami said. "The spread could be totally controlled only if people extend cooperation to the government by wearing masks, maintaining physical distance and avoiding going out unnecessarily."
Tamil Nadu is the fourth most-affected state in India amid the COVID-19 pandemic with 722,011 confirmed cases including 11,091 deaths.
Earlier this week India's federal home ministry said guidelines regarding relaxation in COVID-19 restrictions issued on Sept. 30 will continue to remain in force up to Nov. 30.
On Saturday federal health ministry said the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in the country has reached 8,137,119 including 121,641 deaths.
Globally India is the second worst-hit country in the COVID-19 pandemic.