Tamil Nadu lockdown 5.0 — IT companies and factories can operate at full capacity except in Chennai, Kanchipuram, Thiruvallur and Chengalpattu

• The Tamil Nadu government is introducing new relaxations including factories and IT companies to operate at full capacity during Lockdown 5.0.
• Restaurants, shopping complexes, tea shops and hotels will also be allowed to repone from June 8.
• Districts of Greater Chennai, Kanchipuram, Thiruvallur and Chengalpattu will still have to adhere to old guidelines due to the high number of containment zones and coronavirus cases.

Tamil Nadu has extended the statewide lockdown till the end of June. Lockdown 5.0 in the south Indian state will include some relaxations for public transport and restaurants. However, in areas like Greater Chennai, Kanchipuram, Thiruvallur and Chengalpattu — with a high number of coronavirus cases and containment zones — the lockdown will continue as before.


“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,” said Tamil Nadu’s Chief Minister K Palanisawani. Religious places will remain shut until the end of the month.


Everyone is allowed back at work
Under lockdown 5.0, factories in Tamil Nadu can now operate will 100% of their workforce. IT and IT-based companies can also function at full power. As per the new guidelines, the government has still recommended that wherever possible 20% of the staff should still be encouraged to work from home.

Terms and conditions for public transport
Tamil Nadu is allowing 50% of its public transport back on the roads. Individuals will be issued a monthly pass to minimise to the use of cash. To procure the travel pass, they have recommended using QR codes and e-wallets wherever possible.

However, those without passes and e-wallets will be allowed to purchase physical tickets from bus conductors. Buses are allowed to function with 60% occupancy.


Buses will be disinfected before and after every trip. The use of air conditioning will be avoided. The entire staff will be monitored for body temperature chases. Face maks and gloves will be mandatory.

Local government bodies have been instructed to disinfect bus terminals and bus stops at least twice a day.

Opening up of restaurants, tea shops, hotels and shopping centres
Restaurants in Tamil Nadu will be allowed to reopen starting June 8. Only 50% of the seating capacity will be open to the public. The restaurants have also been instructed to strictly follow all social distancing norms at all times.

Shopping centres, or large retail showrooms, have also been allowed to resume services with 50% of their workforce. However, only five customers are allowed inside shops at any given time.

Starting June 8, tea shops, hotels, vegetable shops and grocery stores will also be reopened. However, they will only be operational between 6:00 am to 8:00 pm.

Malls, bars, theatres and public halls are required to remain shut until June 30.

Restrictions for Greater Chennai, Chengalpettu, Kanchipuram and Thiruvallur
Overall, Tamil Nadu has been divided into eight zones. Greater Chennai falls in Zone 8 while Chengalpettu, Kanchipuram and Thiruvallur fall in Zone 7.

Within these zones, there will be no bus transport, and restaurants or other places of public gathering will be allowed to reopen.

Saloon and beauty parlours can remain open. Cabs, taxis, autos and cycle rickshaws are allowed for essential transport.

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