Chennai bans beach access to curb Covid spread

Chennai: The Tamil Nadu State government has banned access to major beaches on December 31 and January 1 2022 in order to curb the possible spread of Covid-19, in particular the Omicron variant which has crossed over 40 cases of infection in India. New Year's celebrations were feared to be causes of cluster infections and the spread of the virus, according to officials.

The latest order by the government came after Stalin held a review meeting regarding the pandemic situation in the state on Monday, especially in the wake of the emergence of the latest Omicron variant in neighbouring states, reported PTI. The state government also extended the existing restrictions on social, cultural and political meetings till December 31.

Chief Minister Stalin warned the public not to gather in huge crowds during Christmas and New Year's celebrations and also encouraged them to get vaccinated, follow social-distancing protocol and wear masks.

The statement from the Tamil Nadu Government also mentions that schools will start operating normally for Grades 6 - 12 from January 3 2022, following the old routine and not on a rotational basis. The same rule will apply to colleges and technical training centres, according to the release. The government has also allowed swimming pools to function.

Among others, "Test-Track-Treat-Vaccination-Covid-19 Appropriate Behaviour," should be strictly followed said Chief Minister Stalin. The Tamil Nadu government's move is expected in the wake of Omicron variant cases in the neighbouring states like Kerala, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh.