Tamil Nadu government has extended Covid-19-mandated lockdown in the state for another week. The restrictions will now remain in place till June 28 now. However, the state government has allowed some respite in restrictions under the guidelines for the latest lockdown extension.
The state government has divided Tamil Nadu in three different categories. Existing restrictions have been retained in 11 districts falling in west and central region. More services and establishments have been allowed to reopen in 23 other districts.
General provision stores, vegetable and fruit shops, as well as meat shops have been allowed to operate from 6 AM to 7 PM in the 23 districts where lockdown restrictions have been relaxed.
Under the latest relaxations, government has allowed private transport to resume with 50 per cent occupancy. Metro rail services will also be restarted with 50 per cent occupancy.
All travel restrictions have been lifted in these districts; people can travel in autos and taxis without e-registration. Sports training and sports competitions have been allowed to take place in these four districts, without any spectator in attendance.
Government offices involved in essential services can function at 100 per cent capacity, whereas private offices can only have 50 per cent of their workforce in the premises. Industries that have already been allowed to reopen can now operate at 100 per cent capacity, while others can operate with 33 per cent workforce. Automobile showrooms and service centres have been allowed to resume operations.
Food outlets can run from 6 AM to 9 PM, but only takeaways or home deliveries will be allowed. Tea shops will be allowed to reopen in the Chennai region from 6 AM to 7 PM, but only for parcel services. E-commerce services can also function from 6 AM to 9 PM.
