Lockdown kicks in, TN CM Stalin launches Covid-19 cash relief scheme

The two-week complete lockdown to help prevent the continuing spike in COVID19 cases kicked in on Monday in Tamil Nadu while Chief Minister M K Stalin launched the Rs 4,000 assistance scheme by handing over the first instalment of Rs 2,000 to beneficiaries.

With tightening of restrictions, there was a big drop in movement of vehicles as most people stayed indoors and operation of public transport including buses and cabs were suspended.

Government offices, barring the Secretariat and other essential departments including health/medical, were closed.

Shopping complexes, malls, cinemas, state-run liquor stores, bars, salons, private establishments, information technology and IT enabled services firms were all closed.

Places of worship that have already been out of bounds for devotees saw priests conducting regular prayers/poojas without people's participation.

Police placed barricades preventing access to important flyovers and key intersections across the state.

Police personnel advised people who ventured out without any valid reasons to avoid repeating it.

Palaniswami new LOP

Former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister K. Palaniswami will be the next Opposition leader of the state.

A three hour-long meeting of legislators and senior leaders held at the party headquarters here on Monday decided on the former Chief Minister as the legislature party leader of the AIADMK.