Chennai: The fourth phase of Covid-19 lockdown started this morning in Tamilnadu, with more ease of restrictions coming into force in various districts. However, many northern districts, including Chennai, continue to face prohibitory orders.
Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami on Sunnday announced extension of lockdown in Tamilnadu till May 31 and said the move was in accordance with the recommendations of medical and public health experts.
As per the government order, schools, colleges and other research institutions will remain closed until further orders. Also, the places of worship and where people converge in a large number (all religions) shall remain closed.”
“Gyms, beaches, parks, swimming pools, sports centres and other halls are also to remain closed during the lockdown period,” it added.
It said that the public transport, flight, rail, bus and inter-state and local rail services will remain closed, the order stated. However, the operation of flight and train services will be allowed after obtaining permission from the state and central governments.
The order added: “During the lockdown, all marriage functions will remain prohibited.”
Coimbatore, Salem, Tirupur, Thirunelveli, Tuthukudi, Kanyakumari, Madurai, Trichy, Thanjavur, Vellore, Erode, Namakkal, Karur, Tenkasi, Theni, Sivagangai, Virudhunagar, Ramanathapuram, Dindigul, Pudukottai, Thiruvarur, Nagapattinam, Dharmapuri, Krishnagiri, and Nilagiri are the districts where restrictions have been eased.
In these districts, citizens will not require an e-pass for travelling on a bus within the district. Only 20 people will be allowed to travel in a single government/private bus, 7 members in large vans, 3 members in SUVs, and 2 members in sedan/compact cars. Taxis have also been given the go-ahead to operate in these districts.
The government further said a 100 per cent workforce can resume work in factories employing below a hundred workers and 50 per cent strength in factories employing more than a hundred workers. In private factories and businesses, a skeletal crew for maintenance will be allowed to operate. However, Chennai City Police limits have been exempted from these restrictions.