Chennai: As coronavirus cases crossed the 4.25 lakh mark in Tamilnadu, including about 1.35 lakh in Chennai alone, public transport resumed in this teeming megapolis, temples and other places of worship were reopened for devotees after a gap of five months, as a slew of relaxations under Unlock 4.0 came into force in the State today.
The new normal life which came into force in July continued with some more relaxations that included resumption of public transport services, opening of all places of worship for public, shopping malls, showrooms, big format stores with 100 per cent work force, parks, gyms and stadias (without spectators) by following the Standard Operating Procedures put in place by the government.
The Metropolitan Transport Corporation (MTC) operated more than 20,000 buses across the city, wich springed back to life, thanks to easing of restrictions.
Though private buses within districts were allowed, they did not ply as the operators were demanding that the government permit them to travel between the districts.
The Chennai Metro Rail services would resume operations from 7 September, while EMU train services would become operational from 15 September after reviewing the situation.
Another significant relaxation was that after two months, the total and complete lockdown, without any relaxations, on all Sundays has been done away with from this month and the e-pass system (for travel between districts), which drew flak from the Opposition parties was completely dropped, Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami said, while extending the lockdown by another month till 30 September after a meeting with district collectors, medical panel and public health experts.
However, e-pass was a must for those entering the State by air, train and other modes of transport.
As part of more relaxations from today, all shops, including grocery, vegetableĀ Ā and tea shops remained open for additional one hour till 8 pm.
All industries, IT and ITES firms were also allowed to function with 100 per cent workforce, while encouraging work from home option, even as banks, government and private offices, private industries started functioning with 100 per cent staff strength, by appointing corona prevention Nodal Officer.
What’s more travel to hill stations like Ooty, Kodaikanal and Yercaud were allowed with prior permission from the respective district administration.
Film shooting, which remained suspended since March due to the corona-induced oockdown also resumed with not more than 75 people at a time and the number of landing of domestic flights increased from 25 to 50 from today, while the status quo on flight landings in Coimbatore, Trichy, Madurai, Tuticorin and Salem would continue.
However, all schools and colleges, amusement parks, religious meets, international flight services (except for those allowed by the Centre), theatres, bars, beaches, zoos, museums and places where the people would congregate in large numbers, will continue to be out of bounds for public till 30 September.