All relaxations will require compliance with the SOPs. (PROCEEDINGS)
Chennai:
Tamil Nadu has extended its coronavirus lockdown until October 31, but has also announced major relaxations, including the reopening of weekly rural shandi or local markets and government training institutes.
The state government has also increased the limit for crew members on a film set from 75 to 100. However, viewers will not yet be allowed. Up to 100 incoming flights out of the previous 50 have been allowed to land at Chennai Airport.
Restaurants have also been allowed to run until 9 p.m. and take-out until 10 p.m.
However, face-to-face clarification sessions in schools for classes 10, 11 and 12 have been suspended.
Suburban trains, schools, universities, theaters, and amusement parks are not allowed in the new order.
All relaxations will require adherence to SOPs (standard operating procedures) to minimize person-to-person contact and the spread of the highly contagious 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 third most affected state in India, with 5,91,943 confirmed cases.
Tamil Nadu reported 5,546 new COVID-19 cases on Tuesday, creeping towards a six lakh count as the death count approached the 10,000 mark with 70 more deaths.
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