Chennai: A complete lockdown has come into effect in Chennai, Thiruvallur, Chengalpet and Kancheepuram districts today to control the spread of Covid-19. Since morning, police personnel have been conducting intensified vehicle checks.
Speaking to the media, Greater Chennai Police Commissioner A K Viswanathan said, “Drone cameras will be used to monitor the movement of people who roam around without any purpose. Vehicle checkpoints have been established in 288 places within the city limits. These are in addition to the checkpoints established in border areas.”
Warning of stringent action against those attempting to move out of the city without valid passes or with fake passes, he said, “Residents must only walk to shops located within two km of their homes to buy groceries and essentials. They should avoid travelling by vehicles.”
He said employees of organisations permitted to function during the period must carry their company identity cards. There was no need for any special pass, Viswanathan added.
“I request you to not take your two-wheelers and cars to go and buy essential items. They can buy it from the stores near their houses,” he said.
The top officer urged shopkeepers selling essential items to adhere to the safety norms detailed by the government — regularly disinfecting premises, making sanitisers available for the customers, making sure there is physical distancing inside the shop and not using air conditioning — to make it safer for the people visiting the shop for purchase.