TN Intensifies COVID Curbs: What’s Allowed And What’s Not?

The Tamil Nadu government has intensified the lockdown restrictions presently enforced in the state.

(Photo: The Quint/ Erum Gour)

Amid a harrowing surge in COVID-19 cases, the Tamil Nadu government has intensified the lockdown restrictions presently enforced in the state. Tamil Nadu recorded 30,621 fresh cases of COVID-19 and 297 deaths on Thursday.

Here’s what’s allowed and what’s not, as per the new restrictions, which came into force from 4 am on Saturday, 15 May.

Which shops can remain open?

• Grocery, vegetable, meat and fish shops will function only between 6 am and 10 am.
• Tea shops, roadside vegetable fruit and flower shops will not be permitted to open.
• Pharmacies and traditional medicine shops will be open as usual.
• People have been advised to buy essentials from nearby shops and not venture out to distant places without a valid reason or a permit.

Which services will be operational?

• E-commerce companies can operate between 2 pm and 6 pm.
• E-food commerce platforms, like Dunzo, can be used to get vegetable, meat and fish between 6 am and 10 am.
• ATM, petrol and diesel bunks will operate as usual.

What are the restrictions on travelling?

• E-pass will be mandatory for people coming from other states and countries.
• E-pass will be compulsory for intra- and inter-district travels. This rule came into effect from 6 am on 17 May.
• To travel within the district for essential activities, like medical treatment, one must register on the Tamil Nadu government’s website.

Can I attend a wedding or a funeral?

• You must register on the Tamil Nadu Government’s website to travel within the district for weddings and funerals as well.
• E-passes will be compulsory for attending weddings, funerals, or going for medical emergencies, elderly care centres.