Tamil Nadu announces lockdown

24/03/2020

The Chief Minister said all shops and commercial establishments would remain closed except those selling provisions, milk, vegetables, meat and fish. Pharmacies too were exempt. He said that the Centre had sent out an advisory to combat COVID-19 in many districts of the country. Except essential transport services, public and private transport, omnibuses, autos and taxis would not be allowed to ply. “All transportation, except for essential commute (and transportation of goods), between States and districts has been banned,” he said. There is no bar on the use of personal vehicles.

Mr. Palaniswami said that government offices, other than those dealing with essential services, would not function. The Chief Minister announced that Amma Unavagams would continue to feed thousands of workers.

Delivery services

Only takeaway would be allowed in restaurants but delivery services like Swiggy and Zomato would not operate.

“We hope this notification will help control the spread of COVID-19. Police have been instructed to ensure that prohibitory orders are implemented,” the Chief Secretary told The Hindu.

The Puducherry Cabinet too recommended a lockdown from 9 p.m. on Monday to March 31.