As the number of COVID-19 cases in Tamil Nadu has crossed 2.3 lakh, the government on Thursday (July 30) extended the lockdown in the state until August 31, Indian Express reported. However, the state has relaxed various restrictions like allowing private firms to increase the workforce and resuming dine-in services in restaurants.
Earlier, Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami held a meeting with public health experts and his Canibet colleagues at the Secretariat. He also held separate discussions with Collectors on Wednesday (July 29) to take stock of the situation in the state.
He told reporters that a complete lockdown would be imposed across the state on all Sundays of August. Palaniswami reasoned that a significant number of coronavirus cases had prompted the continuation of curbs and called for public cooperation towards strict adherence to social distancing, wearing of masks and hand hygiene to contain the spread.
The existing ban on religious congregations, operation of public transport including Metro rail, shopping malls, theatres and bars and all kinds of political and sporting activities, inter-state public and private transport will continue, he added. The e-pass system for inter-district and inter-state travel will continue, he said.
Schools and educational institutions will remain closed but they can continue with and promote online learning. Ban on international aviation will also continue. Hotels and resorts will remain closed but those accommodating medical personnel, police and government officials, besides facilities used as quarantine centres will function, he said.
The government allowed increasing the size of the workforce from existing 50 per cent to 75 per cent in private establishments and export firms in non-containment zones covered under the Greater Chennai Police limits. Tea stalls, hotels and restaurants can provide dine-in services, but can accommodate only 50 per cent of the capacity.
On the religious front, temples with an annual income of less than ₹10,000, small mosques, dargahs and churches will be open for the public with permission of Collectors, he said, adding that the Independence Day celebrations will be held across the state as per Central government guidelines on precautions like social distancing and use of masks.
(With inputs from agencies)
