Lockdown with max restrictions in Chennai, 3 other districts, from June 19

CHENNAI: While the Government of India is working tirelessly to make Unlockdown 1.0 a success, the number of coronavirus cases continues to rise exponentially. Keeping this in mind, the Government of Tamil Nadu has decided to impose a strict lockdown with maximum restrictions in four districts of the state from June 19 to June 30. The lockdown will be imposed in Chennai, Kanchipuram, Chengalpattu and Tiruvallur districts.

During the lockdown that will last 12 days, only essential services will be allowed in the four districts. Edappadi K Palaniswami, Chief Minister, Tamil Nadu, following a consultative meeting with experts and senior officials on Monday, June 15, made the announcement. Dr P Kuganantham, a senior epidemiologist and member of the 19-member expert committee on Covid-19 set up by the government, said, “We have advised the government to cut down relaxations and (further) prevent the spread of the virus and the government will make a decision.”

The Greater Chennai Police have issued a series of instructions for the city residents to follow during the period. Barring hospitals, labs, ambulances, pharmacies, and funeral hearses, there are restrictions on other activities. Auto rickshaws, taxi cabs will not be allowed to run in the city except in case of emergency.

People are allowed to buy vegetables, groceries, and other essential items only from shops that are within a two-kilometer range from their residence. Shops will be allowed to function from 6 am till 2 pm.

Meanwhile, Arvind Kejriwal, Chief Minister, Delhi, has ruled out any possibilities of a re-imposition of lockdown in the state. With over 40,000 cases, Delhi has the third-highest number of cases in India after Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu. Similarly, Uddhav Thackeray, Chief Minister, Maharashtra, has also announced that the lockdown will not be re-announced in the state.