TN shuts: No schools, cinemas till March 31 – Times of India

CHENNAI: Facing mounting pressure from all quarters, the Tamil Nadu government has announced a shutdown of educational institutions, malls, theatres, bars, amusement parks, swimming pools and museums across the state from Tuesday in an effort to prevent the spread of Covid-19. The clampdown will last till March 31.
The decision, announced after the third review meeting chaired by chief minister Edappadi K Palaniswami, was attended by senior ministers and more than 35 senior IAS officials. Two days ago, the government closed primary schools, but as cases began to swell across the country, pressure from academicians, parents and student groups rose. On Monday, the government decided on the clampdown, apart from invoking legal provisions of the Epidemic Act 1897 and Public Health Act 1938. Medical and paramedical colleges will function fully. No permission will be granted for processions, public meetings, summer courses, sports camps, conferences, expos or cultural events.
“Essential commodities such as milk, groceries, vegetables and fruit will be available. The clampdown is to encourage social distancing,” said J Radhakrishnan, commissioner of revenue mitigation, disaster management and planning.
The government has allowed private events, including marriages that were planned, but has advised that mass gatherings be avoided. Marriage hall are not allowed to make new bookings until month-end.
People have been urged not use the lockdown period as a holiday, but to stay safe at home. “People should avoid visiting crowded places like markets, malls, places of worship, marriages. Follow hand hygiene and take adequate precautions. People with cold, cough or fever should self-quarantine themselves,” health secretary Beela Rajesh said.
Those who fall ill should contact a doctor. “While Covid-19 tests are done only for people with travel or epidemiological history, those who may have common flu should also not self-medicate,” she said. The state has increased the number of isolation beds in hospital from 300 to 1,120.
The state government also advised public not to travel to other states for next 15 days. “We have already increase screening in 16 border districts. Vehicles coming into TN will be disinfected and passengers will be screened by a team of doctors with the help of police and vets,” said health minster C Vijayabaskar. State government will take action against persons who spread false information through news, social media or in any other form under IPC or Disaster Management Act. Call: 104, 044-29510400, 044-29510500, 9444340496, 8754448477.
All bars attached to Tasmac liquor outlets will be shut, but liquor outlets will function. A senior official said bars in star hotels and clubs serving liquor would also be closed. Of the 3,188 bars attached to Tasmac liquor outlets in TN, more than 700 are in the Chennai region comprising the city and neighbouring districts.