TN CM extends lockdown till Apr 30, announces doles for people

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Chennai, Apr 13 () Chief Minister K Palaniswami onMonday announced extension of the lockdown in Tamil Nadu tillApril 30 in line with states like Odisha and Telangana andsaid the move was in accordance with the recommendations ofmedical and public health experts.

In view of the continuation of curbs, rice ration cardholders will get essential commodities, including rice, toordhal, sugar and cooking oil free of cost for the month ofMay too, he said.

Also, families of workers in the construction andunorganised sectors will get Rs 1,000 as finanicialasssistance for the second time, he said.

Migrant workers will get 15 kg of rice, a kg each of toordhal and cooking oil for May as well, the Chief Minister said.

Palaniswami said the government had offered Rs 1,000assistance for rice ration card holders, apart from severalother beneficiary categories, including construction workersfor the current month.

Also, beneficiaries were provided essential commoditiesfree of cost in ration shops.

In an official release, Palaniswami said the rate ofinfection in the state has been reined in since the lockdownwas implemented vigorously and if the curbs were eased, itmight lead to a spurt in spread of the contagion.

While Tamil Nadu as on Sunday had 1,075 COVID-19 positivecases, he said all restrictions currently in place willcontinue to be on.

Shops selling essential commodities alone are allowed tobe open between 6 AM and 1 PM. Also, select sectors likepharmaceutial manufacturing are permitted to work with riders.

The Chief Minister clarified that only take awayfacilities will continue to be allowed in restaurants andbakeries (from 6 am to 1 pm).

Pointing out that he had favoured prolonging the curbstill April end in a meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modion Saturday via a video link, he said Chief Ministers of manyother states had also batted for extending the restrictions.

Based on the deliberations at the meeting and in tunewith the recommendations of an expert committee, public healthexperts and the World Health Organisation, and as per aCabinet decision, the "lockdown is extended till April 30 asper CrPc and the Disaster Management Act 2005," he said.

A State committee of medical experts had days agorecommended to Palaniswami to extend curbs beyond April 14.

The government has also made arrangements for people toget their doubts on coronavirus cleared through 'telemedicine'facility in Chennai Corporation areas, the Chief Minister saidand appealed to people to cooperate with the government bytoeing curbs, including social distancing. VGN SS APRRAVINDRANATH APRRAVINDRANATH