State extends total lockdown in city, 4 districts till July 5

General lockdown to be in place till July 31; Malls, theatres, gyms and bars to stay shut

CHENNAI: Despite the experts team recommending withdrawal of complete lockdown, the State government on Monday announced that the complete lockdown in Chennai and its neighbouring districts of Kancheepuram, Chengalpattu and Tiruvallur besides Madurai will continue till July 5. The complete lockdown was expected to end on June 30.

“After the end of complete lockdown on July 6, general lockdown will continue to be in place till July 31,” said Chief Minister Edappadi Palaniswami said in a release.

However, along with the permitted vegetables and fruits shop, now meat and fish shops can also function with proper permission from July 1 with social distancing. For marriages and funerals, up to 50 persons are allowed, the release stated.

From July 6, there are more relaxations provided by the State government. “IT companies can function with 50 per cent staff and a maximum of 80 staff. All other private and export companies can function with 50 per cent work force,” said Chief Minister in his communique. Dine-in facilities had been reintroduced in hotels with 50 per cent occupancy and tea shops are permitted to function from 6 am to 8 pm, also with 50 per cent occupancy.

Autos and taxis are allowed, but as far as autos are concerned, only two persons other than the driver are allowed. In taxis, three persons excluding the driver are allowed. Large textile and jewellery showrooms, other than those functioning in malls, are allowed to function with 50 per cent staff and shops should ensure that not more than 5 customers are allowed at a single time. Salons and beauty parlours are allowed to function but without operating air conditioning facilities. Similarly, in areas outside Chennai, small temples in rural areas where the annual income is less than Rs 10,000 are allowed to function. Similarly, small churches, mosques and dargas are allowed to function in rural areas by following social distancing norms. The State government had banned public transport, including government and private buses from July 1 to 15.

As far as e-pass is concerned, all the rules that are in place till June 30 will continue till July 5 and the validity of the e-pass issued till June 30 will be extended till July 5.