Total lockdown in Chennai, 3 other districts starting June 19

Chennai

The move came after the medical expert committee, set up by the state government, met CM Palaniswami and discussed the issue of increasing coronavirus infections. The health experts recommended tightening of lockdown restrictions.

In a statement issued, Palaniswami said in Chennai, Kanchipuram, Chengalpattu and Tiruvallur, the lockdown will be implemented strictly for a period of 12 days.

During the 12 day period, only essential services will be allowed with restrictions, he said.

The proposed lockdown, sans present relaxations, will be implemented from June 19 to 30 and on two Sundays (June 21 and 28) there shall be a full scale shutdown without any relaxations, he said.

• Hospitals, testing centres, medical shops, ambulances, hearse vans are operational
• Autorickshaws, taxis and private vehicles won't be allowed to operate, except in case of medical emergency.
• State, Central govt offices can work with 33% workforce.
• Employees living in containment zones are not required to report to work. Prior permission must be received from concerned departments.
• ATMs will function as usual. Banks to function with 33 per cent staff only on June 29 & 30 
• All PDS/Ration shops except in containment zones can work from 8 a.m to 2 p.m.
• Grocery shops, vegetable shops (including mobile vendors, push carts), petrol bunks can function between 6 am and 2 pm.
• People using own vehicles to drive to markets and buy other essential items will be allowed to travel only within 2 km from their residence 
• Restaurants to function till 8 p.m but only delivery or take away will be allowed. Online players are allowed to accept orders and make doorstep deliveries.
• Amma Unavagams and community kitchens will remain open.
• Courts and media will continue their service
• Contruction work where the workers are staying at the site are allowed.
• Trucks carrying goods and essential items can ply without any hindrance.
• For inbound and outbound trains/planes, the existing procedures will continue.
• E-pass will be issued for those wanting to travel out of Chennai for the purpose of attending weddings, or funerals on submission of proof.
• RTPCR tests will be done of factory workers and for the 12 days - June 19 to June 30 -they will have to stay inside the factory premises or near the factory. Workers will not be allowed to travel to their factory from Chennai Metropolitan area. However, continuous process industries and factories making essential items can function with adequate safety measures.

However, none of these relaxations will be applicable for the two Sundays that fall between June 19- June 30.

The Chief Minister also announced a financial assistance of Rs 1,000 for those having rice only ration card and for members of welfare boards.

As of of Sunday, Tamil Nadu has reported 435 deaths and crossed 44,000 COVID-19 cases. State capital Chennai continued to lead Covid-19 infection table with 1,415 cases, and the total tally stands at 31,896.

(With inputs from IANS)

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