Tamil Nadu retains most lockdown norms for Chennai and neighbouring districts; relaxes norms for rest of the state

CHENNAI: Tamil Nadu government has extended the lockdown in containment zones till June 30, while announcing phased relaxations on several fronts, as announced by the Centre on Saturday.
In a long statement issued on Sunday morning, chief minister Edappadi K Palaniswami sought to drive home the need to continue restrictions in containment zones, even while taking steps to facilitate revival of economic activities in towns and rural areas to help people sustain their livelihood.Industries and private enterprises, outside Greater Chennai police limits, can function with 100% employees and workers.
Public transport, including private stage carriers, can operate in most parts of the state, barring Chennai and neighbouring districts, from June 1 with 50% of service being permitted with 60% occupancy. The state has been divided into eight zones for the purpose. Greater Chennai (Zone VIII) and Chengalpet, Kanchipuram and Thiruvallur (Zone VII) will remain off bound for bus transport.
Movement of public and public transport can happen within zones without the need for e-passes. Inter-state and inter-zone movement of buses remain banned, while public can avail e-passes for inter-zone and inter-state movement.
Restaurants can open across the state from June 8, but with 50% occupancy.
But religious places will remain shut and congregations banned till June 30.
Areas coming under Greater Chennai police limits, which have been reporting higher number of Covid positive cases, will continue to remain under lot more restrictions, than other parts of the state. Cabs, taxis, autos and cycle rickshaws can ply in the whole of the state, including Chennai, with restrictions in the number of passengers.
Malls, theatres, bars and public halls will remain shut across the state. Saloons and beauty parlours can open even in Chennai. E-commerce companies can deliver both essentials and non-essentials across the state.
Large retail showrooms can operate with 50% staff, but can permit only five people at a time. Air conditioning systems cannot be operated.
IT companies can operate with 100% employees, outside Greater Chennai police limits. But, 20% employees should be encouraged to work from home. As for Chennai, IT companies can employ only 20% of employees.
International air travel, other than those flights operated under Centre's orders, will remain shut. Lockdown will be implemented strictly in containment zones, the statement said.
Crowd restrictions on funeral and weddings will remain with 20 and 50 people being permitted. Section 144 barring assembly of more than five people too will remain in force across the state.