Tamil Nadu: Lockdown extended for one more week till Jun 21

Chennai: As the COVID daily caseload graph continued to show a declining trend in several districts, the Tamil Nadu Government on Friday announced extension of lockdown by one more week from June 14 to 21, with more relaxations.

However, in 11 districts where the caseload was on the higher side, the government announced minor relaxations, while extending the lockdown.

The lockdown, which was implemented on May 10 was being extended by every week and the present one will come to an end at 0600 hrs on June 14 and it was now extended by one more week to prevent the spread of the pandemic.

In a statement here, Chief Minister M K Stalin said the decision to extend the lockdown was taken based on the discussions he had with health and medical experts after reviewing the situation district-wise to prevent spread of the virus and save the precious lives of the people.

While Chennai, northern and southern districts where the cases have come down will have more relaxations, 11 districts--Coimbatore, The Nilgiris, Tiruppur, Erode, Salem, Karur, Namakkal, Thanjavur, Tiruvarur, Nagapattinam and Mayiladuthurai--will have additional relaxations in view of the higher caseload.

Mr Stalin said in these 11 districts, house-keeping services, electricians, plumbers, motor technicians and carpenters were allowed to serve at the doorsteps from 0900 hrs to 1700 hrs with e-registration.

Apart from this, cycle and two-wheeler service centres and mechanics were allowed to function from 0900 hrs to 1400 hrs, apart from autos, cabs and taxis with e-registration.

In the remaining 27 districts, where the cases have shown a declining trend, the government announced more relaxations, including opening of up State-owned TASMAC liquor shops from 1000 hrs to 1700 hrs, beauty parlours, saloons and spas without AC facility from 0600 hrs to 1700 hrs with 50 per cent capacity, opening of government parks and those controlled by local bodies for walking purposes from 0600 hrs to 0900 hrs, pump sets and agri-related equipment repair shops  (no sales) are also allowed to function from 0900 hrs to 1700 hrs.

While shops and service centres dealing with repairs of household items like mixie, grinder, TV were allowed from 0900 hrs to 1400 hrs, shops selling mobile phones were also allowed to operate during the same period.

However, public and private transport services, shopping complexes, malls, tourist places, will continue to remain shut across the State. (UNI)