Coronavirus threat: TN enters shut down mode

All educational institutions, shopping malls, cinema theatres amusement parks, zoos, gyms, and swimming pools across Tamil Nadu were closed from today till March 31 in line with the government's announcement to prevent the spread of coronavirus in the state.

A day after Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami came out with a series of measures to prevent COVID 19 outbreak, all schools, and colleges in the state were closed, though the tenth and plus-2 board exams would be held as scheduled.

Installations like shopping malls, cinema theatres, amusement parks, and museums, where people would congregate were also shut down as a precautionary measure.

The Chief Minister said no major congregations, processions, public meetings, summer camps, conferences, seminars, commercial exhibitions, cultural events, and sports meet were also prohibited till the end of this month.

Tourist resorts, which would also remain closed during this period, were asked not to accept any advance bookings from guests still March 31.

Palaniswami also directed the closure of all sports stadiums, clubs, bars (including those run by TASMAC) till this month-end.

The Tamil film industry also canceled all the film shoots and the release of a few films were held back.

People working in several private and IT firms were asked to work from home and biometric registration was dispensed with and employees of various central and state government departments were asked to sign their attendance.

The number of devotees thronging various temples across the State has also come down, though the HR and CE department officials were taking all precautionary measures, including spraying disinfectant to avoid any infection.

Tourists were also prohibited from visiting the famous Mamallapuram, about 55 km from here, to prevent the spread of COVID 19.

Most of the tourist spots in the state, including the Queen of Hill Stations (Udhagamandalam) and Kodaikanal, saw a significant reduction in footfalls as the government has advised people to desist from traveling.

The government urged the people to avoid traveling out of the State, gathering in public places for the next two weeks.

People were also advised to avoid places of worship, beaches, commercial complexes, markets, weddings, and other social functions, besides ensuring personal hygiene, washing hands with soap at regular intervals.

It also appealed to those having symptoms of cough or fever, to avoid going to the office and approach the government hospitals.

The Chief Minister said necessary facilities would be set up near international airports in Chennai, Coimbatore, Tiruchi, and Madurai to quarantine Indians if they return from 14 countries from where the arrival of foreigners has been banned by the Indian Government.

He also warned that those spreading false information or causing unwarranted panic over COVID-19 either in the form of news or on social media or any other form would be prosecuted under the provisions of the Indian Penal Code and Disaster Management Act, 2005.