TN extends Covid-19 lockdown till August 31 with relaxations

Chennai: The Tamil Nadu government on Thursday announced the extension of Coronavirus-induced lockdown in the state till August 31, but with more relaxations, including scaling up workforce in private establishments and allowing dine-in services in hotels and restaurants.

Chief Minister K Palaniswami reasoned that 'significant' number of Coronavirus cases had prompted the continuation of curbs and called for public cooperation towards strict adherence to social distancing, wearing of masks and hand hygiene to contain the spread. The decision came after Palaniswami held discussions with District Collectors on Wednesday and the government appointed medical expert panel on Thursday where he took stock of the situation in the state.

As of Thursday, Tamil Nadu has 2.34 lakh Covid-19 cases, including 3,741 deaths.

Extending the total shutdown imposed across the state on Sundays in July to August, Palaniswami said intense curbs will be in place on August 2,9,16,23 and 30 as well.

The Independence Day celebrations on August 15 will be held across the state as per Central government guidelines on precautions like social distancing and use of masks, he said in a statement.

Existing ban on religious congregations, operation of public transport including Metro rail, shopping malls, theatres and bars and all kinds of political and sporting activities, inter-state public and private transport will continue, he added. The e-pass system for inter-district and inter-state travel will continue, he said.

Schools and educational institutions will remain closed but they can continue with and promote online learning, the chief minister added.

Ban on international aviation, but for services allowed by the MHA, will also continue.

Hotels and resorts will remain closed but those accommodating medical personnel, police and government officials, besides facilities used as quarantine centres will function, he said.