TN eases curbs, allows pvt cos to resume work

CHENNAI: Easing curbs further in non-containment zones with riders like social distancing, the Tamil Nadu government on Saturday allowed private sector firms to resume work with 33 per cent work force and also permitted reopening of tea stalls to offer take away services from May 11.

The government also extended the timings for groceries and vegetable shops from the present 5 pm till 7 pm, effective Monday, throughout Tamil Nadu.

These outlets can start work from 6 am as usual.

As regards standalone and neighbourhood shops in Chennai, they can function from 10.30 am till 6 pm as against the present cut off time of 5 pm, an official release here said.

In all other parts of the state, these categories of shops can be open between 10 am and 7 pm.

In Chennai city and suburbs, all private sector companies can resume work and operate between 10.30 am and 6 pm. In the rest of Tamil Nadu, the firms can work from 10 am to 7 pm. However, the workforce shall be confined to 33 per cent of the strength, the government said.

As regards tea stalls, the government said they can work from 6 am to 7 pm.

However, only take away services are allowed and people cannot congregate in the shops and social distancing must be maintained.

The outlets should be sanitised five times a day and to avoid crowding, people must not be allowed to consume beverages inside the shops.

"If the norms are not followed the tea shops will be closed down immediately," the government said.