Covid-19 lockdown begins in Chennai, 3 districts: Here’s what’s allowed and what’s not from today – Times Now

Chennai: With coronavirus cases crossing 50,000-mark in Tamil Nadu, a complete lockdown has been imposed again in four districts, including Chennai, from Friday to contain the virus spread in the state.

On Monday, Chief Minister K.Palaniswami had announced lockdown in Chennai, Kancheepuram, Tiruvallur and Chengalpattu districts between June 19-30 subject to some relaxations to essential/emergency services.

With a steep rise in the Covid-19 cases, the total number of infected persons in the state has reached 52,334. The death toll is at 625 after 49 deaths were reported on Thursday, the health department had said.

With the lockdown kick-starting from today, the state capital witnessed some crowding at the vegetable and grocery shops as part of panic buying even though the state government had announced that the shops will be kept open during the next 12 days.

Here’s what’s allowed and what’s not during the lockdown period in the four 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.