Tamil Nadu relaxes lockdown norms, several sectors to open from May 6

The Tamil Nadu government on Saturday (May 2) relaxed the lockdown norms, allowing several sectors to resume work from May 6. However, the relaxations will not be applicable in COVID-19 containment zones.

In a press release, the government said the already existing lockdown protocols will be followed in the containment zones. The state reported 231 new cases of COVID-19 on Saturday, of which 174 cases were reported from Chennai alone.

In Chennai Corporation area, barring its containment zones, the following activities can be carried out from May 6:

• Construction works are allowed only if the labourers are staying at their place of work. This applies to all government and public sector constructions and road laying works.
• SEZ, EOU and export units will be allowed to resume work with maximum 20 employees only after an inspection by the Corporation commissioner or district collector.
• IT and ITES are allowed to work with maximum 10 employees and they should travel to their offices in vehicles arranged by the companies.
• E-commerce firms should follow the timing which is already in place.
• Essential commodities shops, including grocery shops, can remain open from 6 am to 5 pm.
• Hotels and restaurants can run between 6 am to 9 pm, but only takeaways are allowed.
• Except saloons and beauty parlours, all other standalone and neighbourhood shops, such as furniture and electrical, can stay open between 11 am and 5 pm.
• Workers such as plumbers, electricians and homecare providers are allowed to work with prior permission from Corporation Commissioner or district collectors.

These relaxation are also applicable to other parts of Tamil Nadu, but with minor changes in timings. There is no special permission needed for MSMEs to operate. All central and state government offices are allowed to work with 33 per cent workforce.

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