TN extends lockdown amid new virus cases

CHENNAI: Tamil Nadu government has not allowed any new relaxation as it extended the COVID-19 induced lockdown to Aug.9.

Officials said the government has decided not to let any easing at the moment as a slight increase has been noticed in the number of new cases in the past week. While 1,859 new cases were reported on Thursday, July 29, there were 1,947 on Friday. On Wednesday, the number was 1,756.

While the marginal spike doesn’t cause much worry, the government wants to move with utmost caution, the officials explained.

They pointed out that Chennai has shutered some areas including markets because people were seen violating Covid norms.

Chennai accounted for 215 cases on Friday, while Coimbatore followed with 230. The new cases took the tally to 25,57,611. Active cases rose in Chennai (1,569), Coimbatore (1,917) and Erode (1,404).

The overall active caseload in the state dropped to 20,934. At least 10 to 12 districts recorded a rise in the daily caseload.

The test positivity rate in Tamil Nadu stands at 1.2 per cent, with the highest of 2.3 per cent in Thanjavur, followed by 2 per cent in Erode. As many as 27 more deaths were reported, taking the total to 34,050.

Announcing the extension, an official statement said liquor bars, hotels, cinema theatres and bars in clubs will continue to remain closed.

Chief Minister MK Stalin appealed to the people to avoid stepping out unless necessary so that the third wave of Covid-19 can be averted. He has asked local authorities and police to strictly enforce guidelines.

Stalin warned that action will be taken against commercial and other establishments that allow morecustomersthanallowedinthecovidguidelines.

Schools and colleges in the state continue to remain closed. Theatres, bars, swimming pools and zoos are still shut. Political meetings and cultural events are prohibited.

Industrial Technical Institutes and typewriting schools can function at 50 per capacity as allowed a week ago.

In the same order, shops and commercial activities were allowed to function till 9pm. Earlier they were permited till 8pm only.

Hotels, tea-stalls, bakeries, roadside shops, etc can function with 50 per cent capacity till 9pm.

In the state capital, the Greater Chennai Corporation announced closure of commercial complexes and retail outlets in crowded market places located in nine areas in the city from July 31 to Aug.9.

“Relaxations were made in restrictions taking into account the livelihood considerations of the people but norms should be followed properly to prevent virus spread,” it said.