Considering the situation of the rising number of Corona positive cases in Chennai, Edappadi K Palaniswami, Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu on June 15 announced a further 12-day ‘complete lockdown’ in the State capital and the nearby districts including certain parts of Chengalpattu, Kancheepuram and Tiruvallur. The orders will be in effect from June 19 to June 30. Only certain essential supplies and services will be allowed to remain in function for the entire 12 days.
The CM took the decision, following the recommendations from the medical experts and a Cabinet meeting earlier in the day. As per the CM, on June 21 and 28, which are Sundays, the areas will be completely shut down, except for milk supply and medical facilities.
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However, in a recent submission by the Government of Tamil Nadu to the Madras High Court, on June 12, had rejected speculation that a lockdown for Chennai and its neighbouring districts was likely and no such proposal was tabled.
According to the announcements, grocery stores and petrol bunks would remain open between 6 in the morning to 2 in the noon. Moreover, physical distancing norms are a must to be followed while at the store. Moreover, the authorities have advised the people to buy groceries from the nearby stores within 2 km from their residences and not to use their vehicles to travel to shops.
Further, banks would be allowed to function with 33 percent staff and only on June 29 and June 30. However, the ATMs and related banking services and transport would operate as usual. During the complete lockdown time, the autorickshaws, taxi or private vehicles would only be allowed in case of essential medical requirements. For restaurants, only takeaway services would be allowed.
