TN shuts down cinemas, malls, large retail shops from Monday

TN shuts down cinemas, malls, large retail shops from Monday

Shrines Closed; Grocery, Veggie Shops Allowed

Julie.Mariappan@timesgroup.com

Chennai:25.04.2021

The state government on Saturday issued a fresh set of curbs, shutting down cinema theatres, gyms, recreation clubs, bars, auditoriums and meeting halls from 4am on April 26.

An official release said large format retail stores, shopping complexes and malls will not be permitted. Grocery, vegetable and other outlets are allowed following standard operating procedure. “Grocery and vegetable outlets in malls, however, are disallowed. Department stores are allowed without air-conditioning, but only 50% of customers should be permitted at a time,” the release said.

Beauty parlours, spas, saloons, barber shops will not allowed across all corporations and municipalities. “This is one step below total lockdown. It is absolutely necessary to curtail movement of people and transmission of disease. This pain must be endured to avoid a catastrophe. If the situation does not improve, we may have to opt for harsher measures such as lockdown,” a senior officer said. Only takeaway services would be permitted in restaurants/hotels/ mess and tea shops. Door-delivery of food in hotels and lodges would be permitted. E-commerce services shall continue within the restricted time.

“Public worship would not be allowed in religious places, while daily rituals/prayers shall go on with staff alone,” the release said. Temple events and congregations have already been prohibited from April 10. Permission was granted to allow pre-scheduled events with 50 members, but the government has now decided to allow only temple staff to hold consecration ceremonies. No new consecration ceremony/temple events would be permitted. Not more than 50 members are allowed to participate in marriage events, and 25 members for funerals. IT&ITES companies are mandated to allow 50% of employees to work from home. Sports training academies are not allowed. Except Puducherry, all those coming from states like Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Kerala should register at http://eregister.tnega.org.

Standees would not be allowed in public and private buses in the state.

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FULL COVERAGE: P2