Chennai: Fresh restrictions announced by the Tamilnadu government to prevent the spread of Covid-19 have come into effect in the State from this morning.
As per the new rules, all festivals, religious events and congregations are banned from today, while public will be allowed in temples and other places of worship only till 8 pm.
The government also banned small traders at the Koyambedu wholesale market alone and also in major and whosale markets in the districts.
While restricting fruit and vegetables shops, shopping malls, large format stores, jewellery stores to operate only with 50 per cent capacity till 11 pm, it also said that only 50 per cent capacity allowed at tea shops,
restaurants, allowed to operate till 2300 hrs with dining and take aways.
Similarly only 50 per cent capacity will be allowed in the recreation clubs, entertainment and amusement parks, large event venues, zoos, parks, museums.
The government said theatres, cinema screens in malls and stand alone theatres were allowed to function with only 50 per cent capacity from the present 100 per cent.
Only 200 people will be allowed in social, political, educational, entertainment, sporting and cultural events in indoor venues, while buses between districts and the MTC services in Chennai city (MTC) will be allowed to operate with only seated passengers.
The government clearly said no standing passengers should be allowed in buses.
Apart from operation of international flights only in routes permtited by the Centre, the ban on operation of international flights will continue and the lockdown will be followed in toto without any relaxations in containment zones.
It also said marriage events will be allowed subject to a maximum of 100 persons and 50 in funeral processions, while sports events will be allowed in stadiums without spectators.