Tamil Nadu announces more Covid-19 restrictions for 14 days from May 6: Your FAQs

Chennai, May 3: The Tamil Nadu government on Monday announced more restrictions as part of its Covid-19 containment strategy, including a bar on running shops other than those selling essentials like vegetables and provisions.

An official release said with effect from May 6 to 20, vegetable and provision shops located in commercial complexes have to remain closed while standalone shops can be open only till noon with 50 per cent customers.

"Besides the above mentioned provision and vegetable shops, all other shops are barred from being open.There is no bar on shops selling essentials like milk and medicines," it said, while pointing out at the sharp increase in coronavirus cases.

All government and private offices can run with 50 per cent staff attendance while the seating capacity in metro rail, private buses and taxis should be confined to 50 per cent.

Restaurants can sell only takeaways while tea shops can remain open only till noon and customers cannot sit and have food at such places, it said.

All kinds of social, political, sports, educational, entertainment are being banned during this period while cinemas will remain closed.

There was a cap of 20 persons in death related events.

Further, spas in rural areas should also remain closed.

Those allowed during the night curfew of 10 pm to 4 am include travelling to airports/railway stations,milk distribution and health services while fuel outlets will be allowed to remain open.

Continuous Process Industries and Industries Manufacturing Essential Commodities, besides telecom companies can continue to operate during the night curfew.

Citing the surge in Covid cases, the release said the active infections stood at 1.23 lakh and the restrictions were being implemented in line with the Centre''s directives on containing the spread of the pandemic, it said, adding, the curbs were "unavoidable".

From when will the new restrictions come into force in Tamil Nadu?

From May 6, 4 am to May 20

Will government offices be functional?

Only with a 50 per cent workforce

Will passenger metro trains, private and government buses and rental taxis be functional?

Only with 50 per cent seating capacity

Will standalone grocery shops and vegetable shops be functional?

Yes, only till noon. Only 50 per cent customers will be allowed at a time

Will essential services be operational?

Yes

Will cinemas and malls be open?

No

Are social, political entertain, educational and cultural events allowed?

No

Will takeaway services be functional?

Yes for restaurants, hotels, mess. Tea shops will remain open till open till noon

How many people can attend a funeral?

20

Will meat shops, fish markets remain open?

On all days except Sundays and Saturdays