On the 30th of August, the Tamil Nadu Government announced an extension to the lockdown in the State amid the Novel Coronavirus or COVID-19.
However, this time with the extended lockdown, the State Government announced major relaxation for the citizens with Standard Operation Process (SOP.)
Relaxations include resuming intra state bus services, metro services, re opening of hotels, resorts, shopping malls and places of worship.
These places were allowed to reopen by the Central Government under Unlock 3.0., but, due to the worst COVID-19 situation, the Tamil Nadu Government did not allow to open.
While the intra state bus services would begin from the 1st of September, metro services would begin from the 7th of September.
In addition, the State Government also announced to remove Sunday lockdowns and restrictions of opening timing of shops.
Shops outside the containment zone could be open till 8:00 P.M.
However, strict lockdown would be followed in all the containment zones in Tamil Nadu.
Meanwhile, industries, government offices and banks are also allowed to function with 100 % staff from the previous 50 %.
Apart from the aforementioned services, flight services with 50 incoming flights would be allowed at Chennai airport.
Inter-state trains would start functioning on chosen routes.
However, intra state trains or local trains would still remain shut and a decision regarding the same would be taken after the 15th of September.
For the Unlock 4.0., announced by the Union Ministry of Home Affairs, the Tamil Nadu Government scrapped e pass system.
However, e-passes will, however, continue to be required for people arriving in the state by air or rail, and travel to Ooty and Kodaikanal and other hill stations.
Film shooting could also resume with a maximum of 75 crew members on set at any given time.
All relaxations would require SOPs (standard operating procedures) to function.
The SOPs include wearing face masks, using sanitizer, social distancing and thermal scanning in public places.
minimise contact between people and spread of the COVID-19 virus.
Tamil Nadu is the second worst COVID-19 hit State of India after Maharashtra.
Tamil Nadu recorded as many as 4,22,085 positive cases with 6,352 new cases in the past 24 hours. Of the total cases, 52,721 are active cases, 3,62,133 are recovered/discharged cases and 7,231 deceased.
Stay tuned for further updates.
