Tamil Nadu chief minister Edappadi K Palaniswami on Monday announced an intense lockdown in Chennai and parts of three neighbouring districts for 12 days, beginning on June 19. However, certain relaxations have been given.
The chief minister announced Rs 1,000 cash support to all ration card holders of areas under intense lockdown. Similarly, similar assistance would be extended to all members of unorganised welfare boards and other welfare boards, the chief minister said.
Mr. Palaniswami’s announcement followed recommendations by public health and medical experts and a discussion in the Cabinet meeting held this afternoon. He said that on June 21 and 28 (Sundays) no relaxations would be offered. Only milk supply and access to medical facilities will be available on those two days.
“Provision and grocery stores and petrol bunks would be allowed to function between 6 a.m. and 2 p.m. by maintaining physical distancing norms,” he said and added that mobile units selling vegetables and fruits would continue to operate during this window.
The general public are advised to buy essential supplies without using vehicles and from stores that are located within 2 km from their residences,” Mr. Palaniswami said.
“Banks with 33% staff would be allowed to operate on June 29 and 30 alone. ATMs and related banking services and transport would function as usual,” the CM said. Public Distribution Shops would function between 8 a.m. and 2 p.m.
Though autorickshaw, taxi and private vehicles would not be allowed during the complete downdown, “rental cabs, autorickshaws, taxis and private vehicles for essential medical requirements would be allowed,” he said.
Restaurants and eateries could operate only for takeaway services and tea shops cannot operate. Food delivery services are allowed to operate and those employees involved should get necessary ID card from their employers.
“Amma Canteens would continue to function and so are community kitchens run by local bodies for destitutes,” he said. NGOs and other such organisations helping the general public could operate with necessary permission from authorities.
Media houses and courts too could function.”Construction activities are allowed if workers are available on site,” he said. There would not be any ban on the movement of cargo and movement of essential supplies.