Chennai lockdown relaxation a boon for self-employed – Times of India

CHENNAI: With Covid-19 cases coming down in Chennai, the Tamil Nadu government on Saturday announced additional easing of curbs in the city. This has come as a sigh of relief for the self-employed such as plumbers, electricians, carpenters, roadside vendors, housekeeping staff, security guards among others as Chennai has a considerable number in these sections compared to other districts.
TOI reported about the issue when the government extended lockdown last week. The availability of plumbers and electricians for attending to emergencies has been a problem both for apartments and independent houses and several residents, especially senior citizens appealed to the government to look into this issue.
On Saturday, the government announced that movement of private security service staff and housekeeping staff in apartment complexes after e-registration.
Electricians, plumbers, carpenters and other skilled technicians too will be allowed movement from 6am to 5pm, provided they have availed e-registration.
In rented cars, three passengers other than the driver and in auto rickshaws, two passengers other than the driver are allowed.
“Because of the fear of being apprehended by police, several of us did not take up jobs the past two weeks. These relaxations are really welcome,” said M Mohan, an electrician in Madipakkam.
General provision stores, meat and fish stalls and roadside stalls selling vegetables and flowers will be allowed to function in the city from 6am to 5pm.
Only wholesale fish markets will be allowed to function initially and based on Covid appropriate behaviour at these places, further operation of fish markets in other open spaces will be considered.
Other stores selling electrical goods, hardware stores, automobile spares, stores selling school/college books and stationery will be allowed to function in the city from 6am to 5pm.