COVID-19 Lockdown 5.0 / Unlock 1.0 : Tamil Nadu & Puducherry

The COVID-19 Lockdown which was extended in many Phases is now once again extended till Jun 30, 2020. The 5th Phase started today, along with Unlock 1.0 having 3 Phases was announced today as well. The 1st Phase of Unlock 1.0 will start Jun 8th, the 2nd phase to be decided by July & the 3rd phase is yet to be decided upon. Relaxations with certain broad guidelines in the non-containment areas were decided according to both the Central & State Governments.

The Government of Tamil Nadu (GoTN) has decided to continue the ban on inter-state buses, local & Metro Trains, Place of Worships, theatres, malls, gyms, schools and colleges until Jun 30, 2020. Containment Zones will continue to remain under lockdown till Jun 30, 2020. GoTN has allowed 50% of the state transport to operate in all Districts except the 4 major affected districts of Chennai, Chengelpet, Kanchipuram & Thiruvallur. Only 60% of bus seats are to be allowed. Private buses would also be allowed to operate along designated Government approved routes. Auto-rickshaws & Cabs are also permitted to ply.

IT firms in Chennai would be allowed to operate with 20% of its employee strength, subject to an upper limit of 40 employees. Other private companies must operate at only 50% employee strength. Although Malls will remain shut, GoTN has allowed to open standalone showrooms ; large shops are to operate only with 50% of its staff and run without air-conditioning. To enforce social distancing, only 5 customers would be allowed at a time.

From Jun 8th onwards, dine-in services at restaurants can be allowed only with 50% of its tables occupied by patrons. This is also applicable for tea-shops. Hotels & Resorts would be allowed to accommodate Medical, Police & Government officials and serve as quarantine facilities for visitors from other States. Tourist activities continue to be banned at the State’s popular destinations.

The Government of Puducherry will be easing curbs in a phased manner keeping with the guidelines issued by the Centre under Unlock 1.0. This includes reopening of all Places of Worship from Jun 8th. Religious places, Shopping malls, hotels and restaurants are to be allowed only on wearing masks and adhere to the social distancing norms. Cinema halls, gymnasiums, swimming pools and bars will remain shut till Jun 30th.

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