State govt permits sports complexes, stadia to open

“Sports complexes and stadia will be permitted to open without spectators,” said Chief Secretary K Shanmugam, adding that gyms and swimming pools would continue to remain closed.

When the first phase of lockdown commenced on March 25, the government had ordered the closure of all stadia, sports complexes, gyms and swimming pools to prevent the spread of COVID-19. However, following demands from sportspersons, it issued an order in mid-July permitting athletes and sportspersons to practise at sports complexes for national and international events.

Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami on Thursday announced extension of lockdown till the end of August. Based on this, the government issued the order allowing the stadia and sports complexes to open after which sports events can be conducted without spectators.

The government has also restricted the number of people participating in the funerals. During the sixth phase of lockdown in July, the number of persons allowed to attend marriages and funerals were restricted to 50. However, following reports that many were infected after participating in the funeral ceremonies, the government has restricted the number persons participating in funerals to just 20.

The number of persons allowed for marriage functions remain at 50.

The government has also urged public to not cause harm to personal and public hygiene, and warned of fine for spitting in public and penal provisions for violating the Disaster Management Act of 2005, which is currently in force during the lockdown.

The government has also issued indirect warning to those taking part in the procession of idols during the upcoming Vinayaga Chaturthi, which falls on August 22.