Coronavirus | TN CM announces complete lockdown in five cities

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami on Friday announced a total lockdown in Chennai, Coimbatore and Madurai corporations from April 26 to April 29 (four days) while Salem and Tirupur corporations are also ordered to carry out the restrictions from April 26 to April 28 (three days). The curfew in these 5 corporations will be in effect from morning 6AM till 9PM at night in light of the coronavirus pandemic, which has left 18 dead in the state with overe 1,600 people testing positive. 

During this restricted lockdown period, a sufficient number of employees in hospitals, pharmacies, ambulance services, Secretariat, sanitation, revenue department, disaster management, electricity board, Aavin mil centers, local administrations and water supply works have been permitted to work. Central government offices and banks will be functioning with 33% employees only whose services are required essentially. Amma canteens and ATM centers will be operating as usual. Employees serving in the Information Technology (IT) sector can continue working staying at home. Other private establishments will not be permitted to function.

Other businesses which were already permitted to function will not be allowed during this period. Excluding the above-noted services, operations will be suspended completely. Other government departments viz. the registrar's office will not function. Apart from the corporations notified earlier, in all other areas, the restrictions and permissions which are already in vogue, will be continued. During this prescribed period, containment zones will be subjected to stricter control. Disinfectants will be sprayed twice everyday in these zones. Violators of these directions and instructions will be dealt with strictly by law enforcement authorities.