Chennai to shut down as Tamil Nadu announces ‘intense lockdown’ in four districts

• Tamil Nadu government has announced an ‘intense lockdown” in four districts – Chennai, Kancheepuram, Tiruvallur and Chengalpet.
• The lockdown was brought in place as the number of coronavirus cases in the state have shot up to 44,661.
• On the two Sundays during the period – June 21 and June 28 – a complete lockdown with no relaxations will be in place.

Tamil Nadu government has announced an ‘intense lockdown” in four districts – Chennai, Kancheepuram, Tiruvallur and Chengalpet. The lockdown was brought in place as the number of coronavirus cases in the state have shot up to 44,661.

“Considering the spread of the virus and based on the recommendation of medical and health experts, an intense lockdown will be in force from 00.00 hours of June 19 and midnight of June 30,” said Tamil Nadu chief minister Edappadi K Palaniswami.

What’s allowed and what’s not allowed

• During the lockdown, only essential services will be allowed.
• Hospitals, labs, pharmacies will continue to operate as usual.
• No cabs, auto rickshaws will be allowed on the roads, but they can be used for medical emergencies.
• People can use their own vehicles to go to the market for essentials but only within 2 kms of their house.
• Restaurants can operate between 6 am to 8 pm for takeaways only.
• Central government offices will be open with 33% workforce.
• Only those construction companies which have labourers residing at the site will be allowed to continue work.
• Courts will remain functional.

On the two Sundays during the period – June 21 and June 28 – a complete lockdown with no relaxations will be in place.

The lockdown in Tamil Nadu has come at a time when the state saw 1,974 new cases on Sunday – recording the third straight day of more than 1900 new cases.

Meanwhile, the national capital is struggling to handle the coronavirus situation nearly as much as Chennai. Delhi now has 41182 coronavirus cases but Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has said that there will be no more lockdowns in Delhi.

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