Panic ensued in various parts of Tamil Nadu on Saturday, 25 April, a day ahead of the 4-day lockdown put in place by the state government in 4 districts to contain the spread of coronavirus.
Residents rushed to purchase essentials like milk, curd and vegetables anticipating a shortage in the coming days, despite authorities assuring citizens that all supplies will be intact.
The municipal corporations of Chennai, Madurai and Coimbatore will enforce a total shutdown for four days starting 6 am on 26 April to 9 pm on 29 April. Similarly, the municipal corporations of Salem and Tiruppur will enforce a total shutdown for three days starting 6 am on 26 April to 9 pm on 28 April.
In Chennai, the timings for shops have been extended till 3pm today. Vegetable vendors could be seen making more than four trips to wholesale markets to cater to people’s needs.
A statewide lockdown is already in place till 3 May in Tamil Nadu like the rest of the country.
Residents in Chennai reported having to search for over two hours to procure a packet of milk and curd. Visuals also emerged from B Kulam farmers’ market in Madurai where residents had lined up to make their purchases.
People crowded the Mambalam market in Chennai ahead of the complete lockdown.
(Photo: Smitha TK/ The Quint)
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