38 Dists Clubbed Into 3 Categories Based On Cases

Lockdown in TN extended by a week; nod for bus, metro in city

38 Dists Clubbed Into 3 Categories Based On Cases

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

Chennai:21.06.2021

The Tamil Nadu government on Sunday extended the Covid-19 lockdown in the state by one more week till 6am on June 28 with more relaxations including permission for public transport to resume with 50% occupancy in Chennai and neighbouring Thiruvallur, Kancheepuram and Chengalpet districts.

The state also allowed resumption of metro rail service with 50% occupancy in Chennai and film and television shooting with a cap of 100 people. People in the above four districts can hire taxis and autos without e-registration. All types of construction work will also be permitted in these districts.

Dividing the state’s 38 districts into three categories based on Covid-positive numbers, Tamil Nadu government ordered the continuation of existing restrictions in 11 districts (Category I) including Coimbatore, Tirupur and Salem in the west and Thanjavur in the central region, where case count is still high. It, however, permitted more establishments and industries to function and for extended hours in 23 other districts (Category II), including Cuddalore, Dharmapuri and Vellore.

Schools, colleges, universities and training institutes are permitted to undertake administrative work for admission process across the state. In a statement, chief minister M K Stalin urged people to maintain Covid norms and not to step out of their homes unnecessarily.

The resumption of public transport is restricted to non-AC buses, with 50% occupancy, in Chennai, Thiruvallur, Kancheepuram and Chengalpet districts (Category III). People are permitted to move within the Category III districts and the government has done away with the need for eregistrations for this region.

Govt offices to work with 100% staff in Category III districts

Automobile showrooms and service centres can function in Category III districts as also sports related training and competitions can be held without spectators.

All state government offices can function with 100% employees, while private offices can function with 50% attendance. Export units and their vendors can operate with 100% employees, while other industries can operate with 50% workers.

In the districts coming under Category II, state government offices involved in essential services can function with 100% employees, while other government offices are permitted to function with just 50% employees. All private offices will function with 33% employees, while export units and their vendors are allowed to operate with 100% workers in these 23 districts. People can travel intra-district by taxis and autos after applying for e-registration.

Theatres will be permitted to undertake maintenance work once a week with prior approval in Category II and Category III districts. People from districts falling within these two categories can obtain e-pass and attend weddings, but only 50 people are permitted to attend a wedding.