Amid rising cases, 12-day lockdown for Chennai

Essential services will not be affected, says Chief Minister Edappadi Palaniswami

Updated - June 16, 2020 01:16 am IST - CHENNAI

A deserted view of Anna Salai in Chennai. File photo.

A deserted view of Anna Salai in Chennai. File photo.

In view of the rising number of COVID-19 positive cases in the State capital, Chief Minister Edappadi K. Palaniswami on Monday announced a further 12-day ‘complete lockdown’ in Chennai and certain parts of Chengalpattu, Kancheepuram and Tiruvallur districts between June 19 and 30. Certain essential supplies and services will be allowed to function.

Mr. Palaniswami’s announcement followed recommendations by medical experts and a Cabinet meeting earlier in the day. He said that on June 21 and 28 (Sundays), the shutdown will be complete, except for milk supply and access to medical facilities.

Also read: No plan to lockdown even parts of Chennai, Tamil Nadu government tells Court

Govt. U-turn

Just last Friday, Mr. Palaniswami had rejected speculation that a lockdown was likely for Chennai and its neighbouring districts. The Tamil Nadu government in its submission to the Madras High Court had also said there was no such proposal.

When asked about the sudden rethink, Chief Secretary K. Shanmugam told The Hindu, “The figures were going up. Medical experts, too, recommended restricting relaxations. We also want to control the movement of people going out of Chennai to other districts.”

Also read: Coronavirus | More relaxations as Tamil Nadu extends lockdown till June-end

Provision and grocery stores and petrol bunks would be allowed to function between 6 a.m. and 2 p.m. by maintaining physical distancing norms.

“The general public are advised to buy essential supplies without using their vehicles and from stores that are located within 2 km from their residences,” Mr. Palaniswami said.

Also read: Coronavirus | Expert panel for extending lockdown in four Tamil Nadu districts

Banks with 33% of staff would be allowed to operate on June 29 and 30 alone. ATMs and related banking services and transport would function as usual. Though autorickshaw, taxi and private vehicles would not be allowed during the complete lockdown, they would be allowed if used for essential medical requirements.

Restaurants can operate only takeaway services, while tea shops will be shut again. Food delivery services are allowed and employees involved should get the necessary ID cards from their employers.

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