Tamil Nadu has recorded more than four lakh of coronavirus cases so far (archive)
Chennai:
Tamil Nadu has extended its coronavirus lockdown until September 30, but has also announced major relaxations, including the resumption of in-state bus services from September 1 and Chennai metro services from September 7. September.
Other relaxations include the reopening of hotels, resorts, shopping malls and places of worship beginning September 1, scrapping the “lockdown” on Sunday, and allowing stores outside of the containment zones to stay open until 8 a.m. p.m.
Industries, government offices and banks will be allowed to function with 100 percent of the staff; they had previously been limited to 50 percent. However, all workplaces are advised to continue working from home if possible.
Up to 50 incoming flights will be able to land at Chennai Airport. Interstate trains have been allowed on selected routes. The decision on intrastate trains will be made after September 15, the government said.
The Tamil Nadu government also revoked the electronic pass system for in-state travel, in accordance with the “Unlock4” guidelines released by the center last night. The central government had said that people no longer needed to obtain permission or register on government websites to travel within the country.
However, electronic passes will still be required for people arriving in the state by plane or train and traveling to Ooty and Kodaikanal and other hill stations.
Filming for the movie can be resumed with up to 75 crew members on set at any one time. Spectators will not be allowed.
All relaxations will require adherence to SOPs (Standard Operating Procedures) to minimize person-to-person contact and the spread of the COVID-19 virus.
These SOPs include the use of masks and hand sanitizers in public spaces, social distancing, and thermal scans to monitor body temperature.
Tamil Nadu is the second worst affected state in India, with more than 4.16 lakh of confirmed cases. Of these, more than 7,100 are virus-related deaths and around 1.85 lakh are active cases.
The southern state registered 6,352 new Covid cases on Saturday.
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