CHENNAI, Jan 31: The colleges in Tamil Nadu will re-open on February 8 as the Government has further relaxed the coronavirus restrictions in the State. However, the lockdown has been extended till February 28. The relaxations include resuming classes for Standards IX and XI too, from February 8.

The colleges had already opened for final year students from December 7 and schools for Classes X and XII from January 19.

Classes can be held for undergraduate and postgraduate students in arts and science, technical, engineering, agriculture, fisheries and veterinary colleges and universities from February 8.

Announcing the relaxations to covid lockdown, Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami said swimming pools can reopen and 100 per cent occupancy in all cinema halls, including those in multiplexes, has also been allowed from February 1.

The Chief Minister appealed to the public to wear face masks and maintain physical distance as also do frequent hand wash.

Occupancy of 50 per cent of seats in sports events (including cricket), 50 per cent of seats (or a maximum of 600 persons) in indoor auditoriums for religious, social, political, recreational, sports, cultural and educational events from February 1 have been allowed.

Exhibition halls can be reopened, while complying with Standard Operating Procedure.