Chennai: Amid speculations that the Covid-19 induced lockdown would be extended for one more month in Tamilnadu, Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami will take a final call tomorrow, after holding consultations with top officials and health experts.
According to sources, the meetings would happen at the State Secretariat on Saturday, after which a formal announcement will be made. The current phase of lockdown ends on 31 August, but the State government, it is said, wants to extend it in view of increasing coronavirus cases in Tamilnadu.
On Thursday, Tamilnadu government exempted business travellers visiting the state for a short duration of three days (72 hours) from the need to undergo quarantine.
Business travellers representing various industries including IT/ITeS, hospitality, entertainment and legal can avail the facility, an order said. In another order, the government also permitted libraries, except branch and village libraries, to function from 1 September.
Palaniswami said on Thursday, ‘The government issues epass to all those who apply for it. But people must apply only in case of emergencies and for absolutely necessary reasons. E-pass will help in contact tracing and test and treat all of them. It (e-pass system) is a decision taken after careful consideration and discussion with experts. Covid-19 is a deadly disease, it is a matter of life and death. Several people have lost their lives to the infection.’