Tamil Nadu lockdown guidelines: To control the spread of COVID-19, the Tamil Nadu government on Monday has announced a complete lockdown in Chennai, Chengalpattu, Thiruvallur and Kanchipuram from June 19 to June 30.
Grocery shops, vegetable shops, petrol bunks, and mobile markets can remain open between 6.00 am and 2.00 pm. People driving to the market in their private vehicles will be allowed to travel only within 2 km from their house.
“Considering the spread of the virus and based on the recommendation of medical and health experts, an intense lockdown will be in force from 00.00 hours of June 19 till midnight of June 30,” Palaniswami said in a statement.
Here are a few exemptions from the lockdown guidelines:
- Banks will be allowed to open with 33% strength on June 29 and June 30, but ATMs will remain open through the lockdown.
- Autos, taxis and private vehicles would only be allowed for emergency medical services during the lockdown.
- Ration shops will function from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., but those in containment zones will remain closed and doorstep delivery of items will be made.
- Hotels and restaurants takeaways are allowed between 6 a.m. and 8 p.m. Online food delivery sites are allowed to accept orders and make doorstep deliveries.
- Amma Canteens and community kitchens will function, and NGOs will provide relief service with government permission.
- E-pass will be issued for those wanting to travel out of Chennai to attend weddings or funerals on the submission of proof.
- Central government departments can be allowed to function with a 33% workforce.
- Public Distribution shops (PDS) will be allowed to remain open between 8.00 am to 2.00 pm. But in containment zones, PDS stores cannot be opened. Ration items and the relief amount will be distributed at the doors of those living in containment areas.
- Volunteers helping the old age homes and elderly people will be permitted to travel.
- Construction companies providing stay for labourers inside the site can function for the next 12 days.
- Print and electronic media are allowed to function.
- Any employee from the containment zone need not go to his/her office. They will have to obtain necessary permits from their department.
According to the State Health Department, Tamil Nadu on Sunday continued to witness over 1,900 more COVID-19 cases in a single day for the third day in a row. With over 1,974 patients reporting positive for the virus in the last 24 hours, Tamil Nadu’s coronavirus count has now reached 44,661.
