State asks grocers to shut by 2.30pm, food apps get nod

Julie.Mariappan@timesgroup.com

Chennai:28.03.2020

The state government on Friday announced that Koyambedu wholesale vegetable market, vegetable shops and grocery outlets will remain open between 6am and 2.30pm to control movement of people on the roads. Vehicles carrying goods to Koyambedu market from other parts of the state and other states will be allowed to unload only between 6pm and 6am. “The announcements will come into effect from Sunday,” said an official release issued after CM Edappadi K Palaniswami held a review meeting with officials.

Similarly, fuel pumps will remain open between 6am and 2.30pm. Exclusive pumps for government vehicles and 108 ambulance services will, however, be operated throughout the day. Pharmacies and restaurants, where only takeaway is allowed, can operate through the day.

As elderly citizens and those who are unable to cook, book online for cooked food, the government has allowed aggregators Swiggy, Zomato and Uber Eats to supply between 7am and 9.30am, 12 noon to 2.30pm and 6pm to 9pm as a special case. The aggregators will have to get identity cards from police for the workforce and get them engaged only after a thorough health check-up. PM Modi on Friday asked the CM to strictly enforce prohibitory orders in TN to combat the virus spread.

As people stay off, cows have a field day at Koyambedu market

15k beds ready for Covid-19 patients

An official statement said the PM had telephoned in the morning and checked up with the chief minister the preventive measures taken against Covid-19 in the state, and the initiatives taken by the various state departments.

“The chief minister apprised the PM of the measures being taken by the state. The PM requested strict enforcement of Section 144 for the well-being of the people, and the state to ensure that people isolate themselves. He requested the CM to ensure availability of essential commodities for the public,” the release said. Palaniswami had replied to the PM that the government was implementing all of them.

The state administration swung into action to quarantine by Saturday all 96,063 persons with travel history from February 15 and those who arrived at state airports or other airports in the country and entered Tamil Nadu.

About 15,000 beds are kept ready across the state to treat Covid-19 patients. Coimbatore ESI hospital with 350 beds has been converted into Covid-19 special hospital.