R. ARIVANANTHAM
CHENNAI, APRIL 20
The Tamil Nadu government on Monday announced that the current restrictions on lockdown will continue till May 3 and there will be no relaxation for industries.
தமிழகத்தில் கொரோனா வைரஸ் பரவாமல் தடுக்க மேற்கொள்ளப்பட்டு வரும் தொடர் பாதுகாப்பு நடவடிக்கைகள் குறித்தும், ஏப்ரல் 20- க்கு பிறகு எடுக்கப்பட வேண்டிய நடவடிக்கைகள் குறித்து அரசால் நியமிக்கப்பட்ட உயர்மட்ட குழுவின் அறிக்கையினை செயல்படுத்துவது குறித்தும் இன்று ஆலோசனை மேற்கொண்டேன். pic.twitter.com/SzcMlpYC7R
— CMOTamilNadu (@CMOTamilnadu) April 20, 2020
Announcing this, Chief Minister Edappadi K. Palaniswami said that it has been decided to continue the existing lockdown measures until May 3, with no relaxations of certain restrictions suggested by the Union government.
The Chief Minister cited the need to take intensive measures to contain the spread of COVID-19.
“The Tamil Nadu government decides to continue the existing lockdown and other restrictions under Disaster Management Act, 2005. However, exemptions from lockdown to essential commodities and other services will continue,” said an official statement.
Keeping in view of the spreading of contagion, the Delhi, Karnataka, Punjab, Telangana, Maharashtra, and Gujarat have extended the lockdown till May 3. However, industrial activities have been allowed in orange and green areas from Monday, April 20.
Though the Centre had earlier extended the lockdown till May 3, it had left it to the State governments to decide on whether to relax the conditions for specific industries from April 20.
The COVID-19 spread would be examined again. When it reduces, decisions will be taken according to the circumstances, on consultation with the expert committee, the government said.
The announcement was made after a 22-member expert committee, led by Finance Secretary S Krishnan, submitted an interim report to Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami.
The Chief Minister held a review with his cabinet colleagues and officials at the secretariat before announcing the government’s decision.
Dates for SSLC exam will be announced after May 3: Sengottaiyan
After the meeting at the secretariat, School Education Minister K.A. Sengottaiyan said that the government is keen to conduct SSLC (Std X) examination, as it is the base for the students to pursue higher studies.
The fresh dates for the examinations will be announced after the current lockdown – on May 3. Plus two students who were unable to appear for few examinations due to non-availability of public transport can sit for the examination, the Minister said.
