Chief Minister M.K. Stalin on Friday announced uniform relaxations from the COVID-19 lockdown across Tamil Nadu including the cancellation of e-pass/e-registration system for inter-district movement from July 5. At the same time, he extended the lockdown till 6 am on July 12. The classification of districts into three categories, in vogue now based on the infection spread, would cease to exist from Monday.
In an official statement, Mr Stalin announced that intra-district and inter-district public bus transport (non air-conditioned only) would be allowed with 50% seating capacity throughout Tamil Nadu from July 5.
All shops and activities that were until now permitted till 7 pm would be allowed to operate till 8 pm from Monday.
Eateries, restaurants, kitchens including those in hotels would be allowed to function between 6 am and 8 pm with sufficient ventilation but with only 50% of its customer capacity at a time. Tea shops could function with 50% of their customer capacity at a time.
Shopping complexes and malls would be allowed between 9 am and 8 pm and dining services would be allowed in food courts with 50% occupancy at a time. However, no permission has been granted for cinema halls and gaming facilities located in shopping complexes and malls.
"Gyms, gaming facilities and restaurants in clubs would be allowed to function by complying with COVID-19 preventive measures," the Chief Minister said.
Hotels, lodges, guest houses and dormitories could function with 50% occupancy. Gyms and yoga centres would be allowed to function with sufficient ventilation and with only 50% of patrons.
All places of worship would be allowed by complying with the Standard Operating Procedure. "But, no festivals or consecration would be allowed," he said. Textile and jewelry shops would be allowed with sufficient ventilation and only with 50% of customers at a time.
IT and ITES firms could function with 50% of their staff.
Students and research scholars (SRF/JRF) and those pursuing M.Phil and Ph.D. would be allowed to undertake their educational project works in colleges and universities. Educational and training institutes would be allowed with sufficient ventilation but with only 50% of the team of tutors.
Entertainment and amusement parks would be allowed to reopenwith 50% customers at a time. The management of these units have to ensure the wearing of facemasks and provide hand sanitisers to their customers. "Only outdoor games and activities would be allowed and there is no permission for water sports," Mr Stalin added.
TASMAC shops [State-run liquor shops] would be allowed to remain open between 10 am and 8 pm.
However, the ban on inter-State government and private bus transport, cinema halls, bars, swimming pools, social and political meetings, recreational and sports events, schools and colleges and zoos would continue.
Only 50 persons would be allowed in weddings and only 20 persons would be allowed to attend funerals.
Business exhibitions by government agencies and private parties would be allowed. Visitors would be allowed only by invitation. Organisers and those in the stalls would have to undertake RT-PCR tests or should have completed both doses of their vaccination.
Museums and archaeological sites would be allowed between 10 am and 5 pm. The government also advised shops to provide hand sanitisers to customers and to undertake thermal screening. "In places that are air-conditioned, doors and windows should ensure proper ventilation. Physical distancing norms should be ensured."
Earlier in the day, Mr. Stalin chaired a meeting of senior officials to review the COVID-19 scenario in the State. Health Minister Ma. Subramanian, Chief Secretary V. Irai Anbu, Director-General of Police C. Sylendra Babu, Chennai Police Commissioner Shankar Jiwal, Finance Secretary S. Krishnan, Secretary of Municipal Administration Shiv Das Meena, Commissioner of Revenue Administration K. Phanindra Reddy, Industries Secretary N. Muruganandam, Health Secretary J. Radhakrishnan and senior officials were present in the meeting.
