Chief minister MK Stalin on Saturday announced a total lockdown in Tamil Nadu to curb the rising cases of coronavirus. The lockdown will come into effect from May 24 and will remain in place till May 31. During a meeting with MLAs, Chief Minister MK Stalin suggested a two-week complete lockdown to bring down the COVID-19 infection. But the leaders decided to extend the lockdown for a week.
In view of the total lockdown, the government has permitted all shops to open till 9 pm on Saturday (May 22) and between 6 am and 9 pm on Sunday (May 23) All public and private buses will be allowed to ply on Saturday and Sunday.
Guidelines of Tamil Nadu lockdown:
- Pharmacies, milk stalls, water and newspaper distribution will be allowed to operate
- Essential commodities such vegetables, fruits, groceries, etc will be sold in all districts by the govt itself through mobile vans
- Dept related to essential services alone will function
- All private organizations, banks, insurance companies, IT companies have been instructed to work from home
- E-commerce allowed from 8 am to 6pm
- Hotels will be allowed for take away services and delivery of food through e-commerce websites will be allowed from 6 am- 10 am, 12 pm-3 pm, 6 pm-9pm
- Petrol pumps, ATMs will function as usual
- Transportation of all agri related products will be allowed
- All goods vehicles and other vehicles carrying essential commodities will be allowed
- Inter-district transport will be allowed for medical reasons and funerals with valid e- registration
- No need for e-registration to travel within districts for medical reasons alone
- Continuous process industries and industries manufacturing essential commodities and medical equipment can function adhering to SOPs
Also Read: Total Lockdown in Tamil Nadu From May 10-24 Amid COVID Surge