COVID-19: TN extends lockdown till April 30 

Tamil Nadu has extended the COVID-19 lockdown till April 30. A statement issued by Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami on Monday (April 13) said the government took the decision after deliberations with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The statement added that all the restrictions that were in place would continue until the lockdown was lifted or relaxed.

However, people will be allowed to go out to get essentials between 6 am and 1 pm. Also, select sectors like pharmaceutical manufacturing are permitted to work with riders.

The CM also clarified that only take away facilities will continue to be allowed in restaurants and bakeries from 6 am to 1 pm.

In view of the lockdown extension, a financial assistance of ₹1,000 would be provided to all registered workers in the unorganised sector, including construction workers. Free ration would be given to all rice ration cardholders in the state.

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In order to help stranded migrant labourers, the government has also announced 15 kg of rice, lentils, and cooking oil to each of them.

Earlier, after a cabinet meeting, Chief Secretary K. Shanmugam said that the state would abide by the Union Government’s decision. However, with the PM scheduled to address the nation at 10 am on April 14, the state government has announced its decision a day ahead.

In the official release, the CM also said the rate of infection in the state has been reined in since the lockdown was implemented vigorously and if the curbs were eased, it might lead to a spurt in the spread of the contagion.

The government has also made arrangements for people to get their doubts on coronavirus cleared through telemedicine facility in Chennai Corporation areas, the Chief Minister said and appealed to people to cooperate with the government by toeing curbs, including social distancing.

Tamil Nadu as on Sunday had 1,075 COVID-19 positive cases.

(With inputs from agencies.)