TN likely to extend curbs with relaxations
The total lockdown now in force in the state is expected to continue for one more week with a few minor relaxations like letting shops selling essential items open for a few hours in a day even as officials and experts deliberated on the merits and demerits on Friday.
The meeting presided over by Chief Minister M.K. Stalin was attended by most top officials of the state like chief secretary V. Irai Anbu, health secretary J. Radhakrishnan and DGP J.K. Tripathi besides medical experts and various health department officers.
Since the two week total lockdown had led to the number of cases coming down in most parts of the state, many were in favour of continuing it for at least another week with a view to enable the rate of infection to come under control.
But many officials warned against it citing the state of the economy, pointing out the livelihood problems faced by the people mostly in the lower rung of society. Those in charge of finance were concerned over the fall in revenue and said that it could have a long term impact on the state’s financial wellbeing.
Another suggestion was that more relaxations could be made in the districts where the numbers had come down and the stringent norms could continue in the districts where Coronavirus is wreaking more havoc, particularly those in the western part of the state.
Suggestions were made on opening big markets with restrictions and allowing businesses and commercial activities to resume in a small manner, though it was pointed out that such moves could turn risky and lead to spike in cases.
The government has also been receiving informal representations from various traders’ bodies requesting the relaxation of the lockdown to enable them open their businesses, the closure of which had led to loss of livelihood for many people.
But the lack of discipline among the general people in following Covid-19 prevention norms has been a matter of concern for officials and also health experts, who feel that only a lockdown would ensure that people do not move around and spread the virus.