Covid-19 scare: Total lockdown in four Tamil Nadu districts, including Chennai, from June 19 to 30 – Times Now

Chennai: Tamil Nadu government on Monday announced a complete lockdown in four districts, including Chennai, from June 19 to 30 in view of the rising cases of the novel coronavirus in the state.

The lockdown has been announced in Chennai, Kancheepuram, Tiruvallur and Chengalpet districts of Tamil Nadu. The decision was taken during a cabinet meeting.

Earlier in the day, the ruling AIADMK had said that the health experts committee which held discussions with Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Edappadi K. Palaniswami today recommended tightening the relaxations given for lockdown in Chennai to contain the spread of coronavirus infection.

On Sunday, with 1,974 new Covid-19 cases, the total number of positive patients in Tamil Nadu reached 44,661. A total of 435 people have succumbed to the virtual infection in the state so far. Out of the total cases, there are 19,676 active cases while 24,547 people have been cured of the illness.

Here’re the guidelines for complete lockdown in Tamil Nadu districts:

1. Grocery shops, vegetable shops, petrol bunks, and mobile markets can function between 6 am and 2 pm.
2. People driving to market in their own vehicles will be allowed to travel only within 2 km from their house.
3. Only essential services and travel for medical emergencies will be permitted in the four districts. 
4. Hospitals, pharmacies, labs and ambulances- operational. 
5. Autos and taxi cabs are allowed only for medical emergencies.
6. Banks allowed to function only on June 29 and June 30 with 33 per cent workforce. ATMs will be open all throughout.
7. Central government offices allowed to function with 33 per cent workforce. 
8. State government offices and departments involved in essential work (police, health, corporation) can be opened with 33 per cent workforce. Employees from containment areas should need not come to work.
9. All PDS shops except in containment zones can work from 8 am – 2 pm.
10. Hotels will be allowed to function from 6 am to 8 pm only for takeaway services.
11. E-passes will be issued for people requesting to travel out of Chennai only for weddings, deaths and medical emergencies.
12. For those coming to these four districts from outside the state through air, trains and ships, the existing guidelines will be applicable.
13. Courts and media will remain functional.
14. Construction companies providing stay for labourers inside the constitution site can function.
15. Amma Unavagams and community kitchens will be open.

However, none of these relaxations will be applicable for the two Sundays that fall between June 19- June 30.

DMK slams TN govt for lockdown

Former Union Minister Dayanidhi Maran has slammed the Tamil Nadu government over its Covid-19 handling and said the govt is lacked clarity in dealing with the crisis.

“On the 12th, CM said there would be no lockdowns & that he would initiate action for “spreading such incorrect news”. This was also communicated to the Madras HC. 3 days later, takes a U-Turn & announces another lockdown. TN govt’s lack of clarity and ineptitude stand exposed, (sic)”, the DMK leader tweeted.