As the sequel of the rise in the COVID-19 cases in Tamil Nadu, the state government has on Saturday ordered to shut down the schools for classes 9, 10, and 11 from March 22 and the government has encouraged the schools to conduct the classes for the students of these three grades online. 

In the order, the government said, "As per the recommendations of the expert team of doctors and public health specialists and based on the directives of the government of India, Ministry of Home Affairs, the lockdown was extended from time to time. Now, the Director of Public Health and Preventive Medicine has stated that in view of the rise of the COVID-19 cases, it would be not advisable to continue the classes at least for classes 9, 10, and 11."

The order signed by Chief Secretary Rajeev Ranjan further said, "Schools shall be closed for classes 9, 10, and 11 with effect from March 22 until further orders. The hostels for the above students shall be closed and online mode of teaching can continue for classes 9, 10, and 11." On the other hand, the government has permitted the schools to conduct classes for class 12 as they are preparing to appear for the board exams in May. 

The order added, "The Director of Public Health and Preventive Measure has stated that as far as class 12 is concerned, they may be permitted to function as the number of students will be lesser and they also have to face the Board Examination by following the COVID-19 guidelines and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)."

The order further said that the hostel facilities for class 12 students are permitted to function. The order of closing the schools has come when the state has been witnessing an increase in the COVID-19 cases. On Friday, the state has reported 1,087 fresh cases - the first time the state is reporting a thousand cases after 81 days. 

According to the state health department, Tamil Nadu has reported 8,64,450 COVID-19 cases so far as of Friday of which 6,690 are active, 8,45,178 have been discharged, and 12,582 had succumbed to the viral infection. On Friday alone, the state had reported 1,087 fresh cases, 610 discharges, and nine deaths.