CHENNAI: The Tamil Nadu government on Friday extended the total lockdown by another week ending 6am on June 21 and modified the relaxations further in 27 districts, including Chennai, where caseload is on a decline.
The already announced relaxations for all districts will continue.
The new relaxations would come into effect on June 14.
An announcement to this effect was made by chief minister M K Stalin.
The relaxations are not applicable to Coimbatore, the Nilgiris, Tirupur, Erode, Salem, Karur, Namakkal, Thanjavur, Tiruvarur, Nagapattinam and Mayiladuthurai, where Covid-19 cases are still high.
Read our coronavirus live blog for all the latest news and updatesThe additional relaxations extended to 27 districts cover schools, colleges and universities to enable them to commence administrative work relating to admissions.
Tasmac liquor outlets are allowed to operate from 10am and 5pm.
Read AlsoCovid situation appears to be stabilizing in India but people need to follow appropriate behaviour: GovernmentThe Union health ministry said on Friday the Covid situation in the country appears to be stabilising.
However, people need to continue following the appropriate behaviour and social distancing norms.Export units and vendor units can continue with 50% workforce following standard operating procedures.
“The rest of the industries will also be allowed with 33% workforce.
The workers have already been allowed to travel in four-wheelers.
Now, they will be allowed with e-registration for two-wheelers and identity cards issued by the state government,” Stalin said.
IT/ITES have been directed to work with only 20% workforce or with a maximum of 10 employees.
Housing finance companies, non-banking financial companies and all insurance corporations are allowed with 33% workforce.
Beauty parlours, salons and spas will be permitted to function without air-conditioning with only 50% customers at a time between 6am and 5pm.
Government parks and those under the jurisdiction of the local bodies and playgrounds will be opened for the public to walk between 6am and 9am.
Agriculture machinery and pump set repair shops will be allowed between 9am and 5pm.
Pottery and handicraft shops will be allowed between 6am and 5pm.
The government also decided to permit optical shops and service centres, mixer, grinder and television repair and service centres, mobile and accessories shops and shops selling construction material and home appliances, between 9am and 2pm.
The state government also extended certain relaxations in the 11 districts, as well.
Private security services, agencies for maintenance and upkeep of office, including housekeeping in residential complexes, permitted with e-registration.
Services provided by self-employed persons, including electricians, plumbers, motor mechanics and carpenters will be allowed between 6am and 5pm with e-registration.
But shops will not be allowed to open.
Cycle and two-wheeler repair shops will be permitted between 9am and 2pm.
Passengers with e-registration will be permitted in rental vehicles, taxis and autos.
Taxis will be permitted with three passengers and autorickshaws with two passengers.
Agriculture machineries and pump set repair shops, optical shops and service centres will be allowed to operate from 9am to 2pm.
Pottery and handicraft shops will be allowed between 6am and 5pm.
Export units and vendor units will be permitted to function with 25% workforce following standard operating procedures.
Stalin said all shops permitted to operate and places where people gather should adhere to standard operating procedures.
Hand sanitizer with dispenser should be kept mandatory, besides thermal screening to check temperature.
The managements should ensure the staff and customers wear masks compulsorily.
All shops should function with no air-conditioning and not let in many people to maintain social distancing norms.
Marks should be drawn for people to maintain physical distance when they queue up before the shops.