Chennai: Ahead of commencement of yet another week of lockdown from today to further prevent spread of Covid pandemic, the Tamilnadu government on Sunday announced relaxations of more curbs, including opening of tea shops for parcel purposes only.
Following this, tea shops across the state were reopened this morning, much to the delight of chaai lovers.
An official release here said from today tea shops will be allowed to function from 6 am to 5 pm in 27 of the 38 districts in the State, where the Covid daily caseload has been continuously showing a declining trend.
The tea shops were however only allowed to provide parcel service. The government has also allowed sweets and savoury shops to function from 8 am to 2 pm and these too can provide only parcel service.
The government’s decision to allow opening of tea shops from today comes in backdrop of widespread criticism for allowing State-owned Tasmac liquor outlets to open from but not allowing tea shops to function.
The government said it was allowing tea shops to operate based on feedback received from various quarters.
“There is no permission for people to drink tea at the shops. People will have to bring containers to take parcels and buy tea,” the release said.
The government also granted permission for e-seva centres to function to enable people to get certificates and other services, besides allowing construction firms with 50 per cent staff to enable them to provide salaries, pay bills for purchase of construction materials and for necessary business works.
Chief Minister M K Stalin had on Friday announced extension of the lockdown, which began on 10 May, for another one week from today morning to 21 June, with additional relaxations, including opening of Tasmac shops (10.00 am to 5.00 pm), saloons, spas, beauty parlours from 6 am to 5 pm, besides shops selling auto parts, two and four wheeler service centres and shops selling home appliances like mixie, grinder, TV and fridge.
He said government parks and play grounds maintained by local bodies will be allowed for morning walkers from 6 am to 9 am.