Tamil Nadu Extends Lockdown Until 30 June; Religious Places, Inter-State Travel To Remain Shut

The Tamil Nadu government on Sunday (31 May) extended the coronavirus lockdown in the state until 30 June. Despite the centre’s decision to allow opening up religious places, they would continue to remain shut in the state, reported Hindustan Times.

However, there will be some relaxations in opening up public transport in the fifth phase of the lockdown starting 1 June, while more employees will be allowed at workplaces. Buses will not be run in hotspot regions such as Chennai, Kancheepurm, Tiruvallur and Chengalpet districts.

Informing about the extension of the lockdown, Chief Minister (CM) K Palaniswami said inter-state bus travel, Metro and suburban rail transport will remain suspended.

“To prevent the spread of coronavirus, the curfew is being extended till June 30 under the State Disaster Management Act and as per the Union Home Ministry’s notification,” he said in a statement.

The Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) on Saturday (30 May) has extended the nationwide lockdown in containment zones till 30 June, while giving many relaxations in other areas.

The containment zones will be demarcated by District Authorities taking into account MoHFW guidelines.

Tamil Nadu is one of the worst-hit state in India with 21,184 total confirmed cases so far. The state has also had a rapid increasing rate in recent days. Whereas 9,024 people have now been cure of COVID-19, at least 160 patients have succumbed to the disease.

The MHA also issued new guidelines for phased re-opening of all activities outside containment zones for the next one month.

In Phase I, religious places and places of worship for public; hotels, restaurants and other hospitality services; and shopping malls; will be permitted to open from June 8, 2020. The health ministry will issue SOPs for the above activities in consultation with the relevant authorities.

In Phase II, Schools, colleges, educational/ training/ coaching institutions etc., will be opened after consultations with States and UTs. The governments of States and UTs are also advised to hold consultations with parents and relevant stakeholders.

In Phase III, Movie Theatres, International Air Travel, Metro Rail , Gyms, Public Gathering etc. will be opened based on the situational assessment.