The Tamil Nadu government today extended the coronavirus lockdown in the state till July 19, while relaxing a few restrictions. The graded easing of restrictions come as the state is witnessing a dip in COVID-19 cases. Shops can remain open for an hour longer and need to shut only by 9 pm.
Restaurants, tea shops, bakeries, roadside eateries and sweet shots can stay open till 9 pm with 50 per cent customers. These places will need to comply with Covid protocols such as placing hand sanitisers outside and ensuring that people in queues follow social distancing. Air-conditioned outlets must have adequate ventilation with doors and/or windows open.
While only up to 50 people can attend weddings, only 20 can attend funerals.
Schools, colleges, bars, theatres, swimming pools and zoos will remain shut; Cultural and political events with public participation too cannot be held.
Though the state has not re-started inter-state buses, it has decided to resume bus services to neighbouring Puducherry.
Written tests for state and central government jobs can be held at exam centres with all SOPs followed.
Last Saturday too, the state government announced a series of relaxations even as it extended the lockdown, allowing hotels, lodges and guesthouses to function. Amusement parks too got a go-ahead to re-open.
Tamil Nadu has the fourth highest number of coronavirus cases in India.
On Friday, Tamil Nadu logged 3,039 COVID-19 cases and 69 deaths. The fresh cases are slightly lower than the previous day's. The state has reported over 25.13 lakh cases since the beginning of the pandemic.
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