Grocers, fuel pumps in T.N. to shut at 2.30 p.m. from Sunday

Food delivery operators allowed to work, with restrictions

28/03/2020, DENNIS S. JESUDASAN,CHENNAI

Come Sunday, provision stores, vegetable and fruit shops and fuel pumps will be allowed to function only between 6 a.m. and 2.30 p.m. in the State during the lockdown. However, “medical shops and restaurants (only takeaway) will continue to function through the day”, an official release said.

The government has permitted app-based food delivery operators like Swiggy and Zomato to operate between 7 a.m. and 9.30 a.m. for breakfast orders; from noon to 2.30 p.m. for delivering lunch; and from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. for dinner orders, taking into account the needs of the elderly and others for such services.

Explaining the rationale behind the latest restrictions, a senior official said: “Without any time restrictions, people were out to get their essentials and shops had to remain open through the day. Now, with specific timings, we can monitor people’s movement effectively.” Specially designated petrol pumps would continue to function for the benefit of 108 ambulances and government vehicles.

Those engaged in food delivery must get the required identity cards through their employers, who must check their health condition on a daily basis, the release stated. The government advised against distribution of cooked food to the destitute by volunteers. Instead dry rations could be supplied to help desks in the offices of the Chennai Corporation Commissioner and District Collectors.

Vehicles carrying supplies from other States must unload them at markets between 6 p.m. and 6 a.m.