Chief Minister Edappadi K. Palaniswami on Monday announced a 12-day complete lockdown in Chennai and certain parts of Chengalpattu, Kancheepuram and Tiruvallur districts. The lockdown will be in effect between June 19 to 30. However, essential services will not be affected, as per Chief Minister Edappadi Palaniswami.
The move follows recommendations by public health and medical experts. After a Cabinet meeting held this afternoon, the CM said that on June 21 and 28 (Sundays) no relaxations would be offered. Only milk supply and access to medical facilities will be available.
“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. In addition, he also 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.”
Public Distribution Shops will be functioning between 8 a.m. and 2 p.m. While autorickshaw, taxi, and private vehicles would not be allowed during the complete lockdown, rental cabs, autorickshaws, taxis, and private vehicles for essential medical requirements would be allowed.
In addition, restaurants and eateries would only be available for takeaway services. Tea shops would not be allowed to operate. Food delivery employees would need to get the necessary ID cards from their employers.
“Amma Canteens would continue to function and so are community kitchens run by local bodies for destitutes,” he said.
Moreover, NGOs helping the general public could operate with necessary permission from authorities. Media houses and courts will also be allowed to function. Construction activities could go ahead if workers are available on site.
“Only those who produce necessary documents for leaving Chennai for other districts for weddings, medical treatment, funerals would be granted necessary e-passes,” Mr. Palaniswami said.
He also stated that central government offices and some departments of the State government would function with only 33% staff. In a relief for those living in containment zones need not report for work.