Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Edappadi K. Palaniswami on Monday issued new orders for complete lockdown in Chennai, Chengalpet, Tiruvallur and Kancheepuram districts from June 19 in order to stop the spread of the deadly coronavirus, which has claimed thousands of lives in India and around the world. The lockdown will be in effect starting from June 19 to June 30 till midnight 12 o'clock for a period of 12 days. The latest orders further elaborate that the tea shops in the four districts - Chennai, Chengalpet, Tiruvallur and Kancheepuram - are not permitted to open during the stipulated 12-day lockdown. Hospitals, laboratories, pharmacies, ambulance and mortuary services have been allowed to operate as before. Groceries, provision stores and petrol bunks have been granted permission to function between morning 6AM and 2PM. 

The state government has also announced that ration card holders, who are domiciled within the police limits of Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC), are eligible to collect Rs. 1,000. Restaurants and hotels have been allowed to deliver only parcels between 6AM to 8PM. Ration shops will not be open in containment zones across Chennai city. Relief materials will reach the homes of the public.  People buying essential goods have not been allowed to use their vehicles. They have been instructed to make their purchases within a two kilometre radius. People who wish to travel to other districts have to acquire an e-pass from the corresponding department on the submission of related documents. E-pass will be granted only for important matters such as marriage, hospital treatment and death. There will be no ban for goods transportation and distribution of essential items. It has also been announced that orders for total lockdown will be in full effect on June 21 and June 28, being Sundays. 

Orders have also been issued to those living in containment zones to carry out their duties from their homes and not attend to their offices. It has been emphasized that state government departments, central government offices and banks can function with 33 percent staff. Banks are permitted to function on June 29 and June 30 only with 33 percent office strength. The spread of the COVID-19 outbreak cannot be stopped until there is full cooperation from the public. People have been urged to wear face masks at all times and wash their hands regularly using soap. People must adhere to all instructions given by the state government in order to make the efforts successful.