Authorities get tough to implement lockdown in TN, meat outlets sealed for violations

Chennai, Apr 5 () Police and civic authorities onSunday stepped up ongoing efforts to prevent coronavirus andenforce lockdown more strictly across Tamil Nadu by takingaction against people violating norms and shops breachingrules including those on social distancing.

Greater Chennai Corporation authorities said they havetoday sealed a string of shops here for selling meat withoutthe 'Corporation slaughter house seal' and some for non-maintenance of social distancing norms.

The civic officials said they were maintaining a closewatch over meat stalls to see if meat sold was butchered inslaughter houses as per rules to ensure hygiene.

"The sealed shops will not be allowed to open forthree months," the civic body said.

Lockdown norms like social distancing are applicableto groceries and vegetable markets as well and action wasbeing taken against those responsible for violations, theysaid.

In other parts of the State including in Dindigul,local authorities sealed meat stalls for violations.

In Salem district, a supermarket was sealed forselling items like sanitisers and dhal at exorbitant rates.

While Tamil Nadu police said across the State, therehave so far been78,837 instances of violations of lockdownorder for which 71,204 First Information Reports have beenfiled and 59,868 vehicles seized.

The total fine amount stood at Rs 21.26 lakh, policesaid in a release adding there have however, been no incidentsdisturbing the law and order situation.

Lockdown in Tamil Nadu is on from 6 pm on March 24.

Police authorities alsojoined hands with othergovernmentdepartments and local bodies in ensuring socialdistancing norms in market places and avoid people millingaround.

In 'containment' areas, where people who testedpositive for coronavirus resided, government field personnelcontinue surveillance work to identify and treat those withfever like symptoms.

Meanwhile, a few places in Virudhunagar district likeSattur witnessed showers on Sunday for some time bringingrespite whichalsomade more people to stay indoors. VGNSS