Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin on Friday extended the lockdown in the state for another week announcing few relaxations in the restrictions imposed. Unlike previous guidelines where the relaxations were provided based on the caseload in each district, the government has now provided state-wide uniform relaxations.
Additional relaxations provided by the government
*All shops located in non-containment zones, which were already permitted to function till 7 pm, can now operate until 8 pm
*Government/private business-to-business exhibitions can be conducted. Only invitees should be allowed to take part in the event. All those part of the exhibition must undergo RT-PCR tests or should have been administered two doses of vaccines
*Hotels and restaurants are allowed to function from 6 am till 8 pm with 50 per cent seating capacity and without air conditioning. Tea shops are also allowed to function with 50 per cent of customers
*Non-AC public/private bus transportation is allowed within districts with 50 per cent occupancy
*IT/ITES companies are permitted to function with 50 per cent workforce
*Hotels, lodges and guest houses will be also be allowed to operate with 50 per cent occupancy of dormitory spaces
*Museums, archaeological monuments and excavation sites are allowed to function from 10 am till 5 pm
*Tasmac shops are allowed to run from 10 am to 8 pm
*Places of worship are allowed to be opened for public. However, no permission has been granted for archana, consecration ceremony and other temple events
*Textiles stores with proper ventilation facilities will be allowed to function with 50 per cent customers
*Shopping complexes/malls can operate from 9 am till 8 pm. Restaurants present inside these malls are allowed to run with 50 per cent customers
*Colleges/universities will be opened for SRF/JRF, M.Phil and PhD students to carry on with their educational project works
*Amusement parks will be allowed to operate with 50 per cent customers. The management should ensure all the customers/park workers are wearing face masks and the place is disinfected frequently. Water sports activities are not allowed
*E-pass/E-registration is not mandatory to travel within districts. The existing rule of allowing only 50 people in marriage ceremonies and 20 in funerals will continue to be in place
*All the shops have been instructed to keep hand sanitizers with dispensers at the entry point. Thermal screening has to be done. They should also ensure everyone is wearing masks and maintaining social distancing
Activities that will continue to be restricted
*Inter-state public/private bus transportation and international flight services not allowed by Centre are prohibited
*Theatres, bars and swimming pools will remain shut
*Social and political gatherings, entertainment, sports and cultural events are also not allowed
*Schools and colleges will remain shut
*Wildlife sanctuaries will also remain closed