Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Edappadi Palaniswamy has said a decision on reopening of schools will be taken only in consultation with the parents. <br />''<br />''He told reporters at Tiruvannamalai that the safety of children is of paramount importance.<br />'' <br />''Meanwhile, in Tamil Nadu, the total Covid-19 infection has gone up to nearly 4.8 lakh, as stated in the health department's latest media bulletin.<br />'' <br />''The recoveries crossed 4.23 lakh on Wednesday. The active caseload has seen a dip at 49, 000 which is about a thousand less than the previous day figures.<br />'' <br />''In the last 24-hours, 5584 people were tested positive including 993 in Chennai.<br />'' <br />''6516 patients recovered, while the case fatalities crossed 8, 090 as 78 people lost the battle against the viral infection in the last 24-hours.<br />'' <br />''AIR correspondent reports, reopening of schools remains a tricky issue as fears about the safety of children lingers among the parents and the government.<br />'' <br />''The chief minister has asserted that the government would take a call in the matter only as per the wishes of the parents.<br />'' <br />''Observers say this only indicates that the reopening may not be in the immediate vicinity. '<br />'' <br />''Meanwhile, a government order stipulates schools to suspend online classes for five days from the 21st of this month.<br />'' <br />''The break for the brief period is considered an equivalent of giving the usual quarterly vacation for the students. <br />