COVID-19: TN under lockdown till March 31, district borders to be shut

The Tamil Nadu government has imposed a complete lockdown across the state to contain the spread of coronavirus. The lockdown will come into effect at 6 pm on Tuesday (March 24) and continue until March 31.

Imposing CrPC Section 144 across the state, Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami on Monday (March 23) told the Assembly that all district borders would be shut as part of the lockdown and only vehicles carrying essential commodities would be allowed.

All public and private transport services will be restricted, while call taxis and auto rickshaws will remain off the road, he said. Only shops selling pharmaceuticals, groceries, vegetables, milk and meat will be open, he said.

Government offices, barring those of the revenue, police, fire and rescue, prisons, and health and family welfare departments will not function until March 31. However, all precautionary measures must continue in government offices, he said.

While private companies, including IT firms, are advised to allow their employees to work from home, those offering health and emergency services will continue to function.

Industries manufacturing essential goods and importing them are allowed to function with minimal staff. While all construction works, except emergency ones, must be immediately stopped, the workers must be duly paid.

Restaurants are allowed offer delivery, he said, adding that all Amma canteens will be open.

This announcement comes a day after the Centre put three districts in Tamil Nadu — Chennai, Kancheepuram and Erode — under lockdown, along with 72 other districts in the country.

Neighbouring Union Territory Puducherry too has imposed a curfew from 9 pm on Monday (March 23) to March 31 to combat the spread of the deadly disease.