Lockdown in Tamil Nadu extended till May 31, ban lifted in 25 districts

Lockdown in Tamil Nadu extended till May 31, ban lifted in 25 districts 

Tamil Nadu has become the second state after Maharashtra to extend the lockdown on Sunday. Earlier, Punjab and Mizoram had also extended it, while Telangana extended it till May 29.

Travel in these districts is allowed for essential purposes only

Government and private buses can carry a maximum of 20 passengers

Schools, colleges, places of worship, theaters and bars will be closed

Tamil Nadu has extended the state’s coronavirus lockdown till May 31, despite ease of travel- and work-related restrictions for its at least 25 affected districts, including Coimbatore, Salem, Trichy and Nilgiris. These concessions will not apply to the content zone. Taxis can be operated in 25 districts where restrictions have been relaxed, as long as they are used to provide essential services such as health services or are used for agricultural or commercial purposes.

Travel to these districts will be allowed freely, as long as it is for necessary purposes. International travel will require government authorization.

In 12 other districts, including the state capital Chennai, taxis and auto tow rickshaws will be allowed for medical use only, and will require an e-pass to operate.

All schools, colleges, places of worship, cinema theaters and bars across the state will be closed during the lockdown. Banning of parks, beaches and major sports and cultural events is mandatory. However, teachers and teaching staff who evaluate the standard 12 examination paper are exempted.

Restrictions on weddings and funerals will continue, the government said, adding that tourists at the state's three popular hill stations - T, Yercaud and Kodaikanal - will no longer be allowed until further notice.

Government and private buses allowed to transport government employees or industrial workers can carry a maximum of 20 persons. The van is allowed to carry seven and three smaller cars, including the driver; A slightly larger car, including an MUV like the Toyota Innova, can carry three except for the driver.

Athletes participating at national and international level are also allowed to coach, as long as the concerned athlete has the permission of the local administration. Outside Chennai, 100 per cent employees with less than 100 employees are allowed in factories and industrial units. Factories with more than 100 employees can run at 50 percent capacity

Other states will have to increase the lockdown imposed by the Center - due to end today - is Punjab and Mizoram. Both have extended it till May 31, while Telangana has extended it till May 29.

The expansion of lockdowns in Tamil Nadu has led to a surge in cases. There are more than 10,000 cases in the state and 74 deaths have been reported so far. Chennai alone accounts for 58 per cent of these cases.

The good news is that many districts are seeing a decline in the number of new cases.

Earlier this week, 2,600 cases were reported from Coimbatore, a wholesale market near Chennai in Tamil Nadu, where vegetables and fruits are sold.

Last week the Tamil Nadu government announced major concessions in the lockdown guidelines for the non-regulated sector; These have come into force from Monday, 11 May.

The Union Health Ministry today said that India has crossed 90,000 cases of coronovirus after registering the largest one-day jump with 4,987 new cases. So far 2,872 people have died.