Extending the ongoing COVID-19 lockdown till 6 a.m. of June 21, the Tamil Nadu government on Friday announced fresh relaxations in 27 districts including Chennai. Fewer concessions would be offered in 11 districts predominantly in the west and Delta regions where higher cases were reported.
In addition to existing permitted activities in Tamil Nadu — except in Coimbatore, The Nilgiris, Tiruppur, Erode, Salem, Karur, Namakkal, Thanjavur, Tiruvarur, Nagapattinam and Mayiladuthurai districts — salons, optician shops, service centres for home appliances, sale and service of mobile phones have been allowed to operate during specified timings from June 14. State-run liquor outlets aka TASMAC shops would remain open between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m.
In a statement, Chief Minister M.K. Stalin said the COVID-19 lockdown was being extended and fresh relaxations were allowed after a district-wise analysis of the COVID-19 scenario.
As per this in the 27 districts, IT/ITES sectors could function with 20% staff or a maximum of 10 persons attending office physically.
Schools, colleges and universities would be allowed to undertake administrative and admission-related activities. Salons, spas and beauty parlours would be allowed to open between 6 a.m. and 5 p.m. but only with 50% of customers at a time.
The sale and service of home appliances such as mixies, grinders and televisions would be allowed between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. Optician shops and service centres and the sale and service of mobile phones would be allowed between 9 am and 2 pm.
Production and sales of earthenware and handicraft shops would be allowed between 6 a.m. and 5 p.m. Service centres relating to agriculture equipment and plumbing works (not sales centres) would be allowed between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.
Parks and sports stadiums managed by government agencies and local bodies would be allowed to remain open between 6 a.m and 9 a.m. but only for walkers.
Shops dealing in construction material would be allowed to function between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. Companies involved in export and those supplying inputs to such companies would now be allowed to operate with 50% staff and by complying with the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP). Only 33% of staff would be allowed in other industries by complying with the SOP.
“Workers of industries would be allowed to commute to work even on two-wheelers but with e-registration and identity cards. Earlier, they were allowed only on four-wheelers.” Only 33% of staff would be allowed in housing finance companies, non-banking finance companies and insurance companies.
Marginal relaxations in 11 districts
In the 11 districts in West and Delta regions where the spread of COVID-19 is higher than other districts, in addition to existing permitted activities, housekeeping in offices, houses and flats and private security agencies would be allowed with e-registration. Between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., electricians, plumbers, motor technicians, carpenters could visit customers' places and offer services with e-registration. “However, they cannot open their shops.”
Rental vehicles, taxis and autorickshaws would be allowed only with e-registration. Taxis and autos would be allowed only with three and two passengers respectively, excluding the driver. Two-wheeler service centres (not sales), service centres relating to agriculture and plumbing and optician shops would be allowed between 9 am and 2 pm.
Companies involved in export and allied industries would be allowed to operate with 25% staff and by complying with the SOP. Production and sales of earthenware and handicraft shops would be allowed between 6 a.m. and 5 p.m.
“In general, shops have to ensure that customers are provided with hand sanitisers and they are subjected to thermal screening. They are also to ensure that employees and customers wear facemasks,” Mr. Stalin said.
Air-conditioning facilities should not be allowed in shops, which must also ensure that physical distancing norms are followed. Markings are to be made to facilitate customers to stand in queues and to help them comply with physical distancing norms.
Mr. Stalin also reiterated his appeal to the general public seeking their cooperation with the State government.
Published - June 11, 2021 07:14 pm IST
