NE NEWS SERVICE
CHENNAI, MAY 23
Stating that coronavirus has been continue to spread its tentacles in Tamil Nadu, health-conscious Chief Minister M K Stalin has extended the lockdown on Saturday for a week from May 24 with strict measures to curtail the spread of the deadly infection.
Tamil Nadu has been under complete lockdown since May 10. The extension of the lockdown in the state will see no relaxation, with only emergency services allowed to function during the period.
The current lockdown in the state comes to an end on the morning of Monday, May 24.
With a view to help the people to buy essentials, the government allowed all stand-alone shops, except malls, to function till 9 pm on Saturday and Sunday and allowed bus services.
This has resulted in massive crowding across market places and various shopping areas with a total lack of social distancing or wearing masks.
The Tamil Nadu government has also allowed public and private long-distance buses to operate on these two days to facilitate public to visit their hometowns.
The stricter lockdown has been imposed on the basis of the recommendations of an expert medical team and the representatives of legislature parties.
During the lockdown, medical shops, including indigenous medicine shops and veterinary pharmacies, will function. Supply of milk and water, distribution of newspapers and functioning of media organisations will remain uninterrupted.
All shops will be shut and groceries to be sold through mobile vehicles in coordination with local bodies.
E-commerce is allowed between 8 am and 6 pm.
Inter-district movement on medical grounds and deaths have been allowed upon e-registration. Intra-district movement on medical grounds need not register.
Meanwhile, the government has announced contact numbers to know the arrival of mobile carts that are to sell fruits and vegetables or prices. Residents may contact 94999 32899 or 044 4568 0200.
