Lockdown in Chennai, suburbs from June 19

A FULL-SCALE SHUTDOWN WILL BE IMPLEMENTED IN CHENNAI AND SUBURBS ON 2 SUNDAYS DURING THE 12-DAY PERIOD

CHENNAI: With Chennai and suburbs continuing to witness a surge in COVID-19 cases, Chief Minister K Palaniswami on Monday declared a total lockdown in these areas from June 19 to 30.

Also, a full-scale shutdown will be implemented here on two Sundays during the 12-day period, he said.

Also, t he chief minister announced another round of cash relief of ~1,000 to rice ration card holders and unorganised sector workers in Chennai and a string of other nearby areas in Chengelpet, Kancheepuram and Tiruvallur districts.

Ration card holders and workers with several state welfare boards have already received Rs 1,000 cash assistance in April and subsequent months.

After a meeting with an expert panel and amid rising coronavirus cases here, Palaniswami said the lockdown will be applicable in Chennai and several areas that fall under the jurisdiction of Greater Chennai Police and situated in Tiruvallur, Chengelpet and Kancheepuram districts.

As of June 14, Chennai’s tally of virus cases and death toll stood at 31,896 and 347 respectively.

Adjoining districts like Chengelpet has also been witnessing a steady increase in the number of cases.

An expert panel, which had a meeting with Palaniswami today, advised the government to cut down on relaxations to help prevent the spread of virushere and nearby areas.

During the 12-day period, only essential services will be allowed with restrictions, Palaniswami said following a Cabinet meeting.

The proposed lockdown, sans present relaxations, will be implemented from June 19 to 30 and on two Sundays (June 21 and 28) there shall be a full-scale shutdown without any relaxations, he said. On these two days, barring milk supply, pharmacies, hospitals and ambulance services, no other services or shops shall be permitted, he said.

During the period, banks, which are now open, will be allowed to function only on June 29 and 30 with 33 per cent workforce.however, ATM related functions shall continue to be operational.