Coronavirus: Tamil Nadu has announced major relaxation in lockdown in non-containment areas (File)
Tamil Nadu has become the third worst coronavirus-hit state in the country, surpassing Delhi after reporting over 7,200 cases. Maharashtra, with over 20,200 cases and at least 779 deaths, tops the list, followed by Gujarat with around 7,800 cases. The national capital, with nearly 7,000 cases, has slipped to the fourth spot.
The bulk of cases were reported from Chennai, where the vegetable and fruit wholesale market at Koyembedu was declared a hotspot. More than 1,500 positive cases were found to be linked to the market.
Of the total cases in Tamil Nadu, 1, 959 patients have recovered and 47 have died.
Tamil Nadu has announced major relaxation in lockdown in non-containment areas. While across the state, private offices and tea shops will be allowed to open.
Shops selling essential items, fruits and vegetables will now be open in the state capital from 6 am to 7 pm. Earlier groceries, fruits and vegetable shops would close by 1 pm. Standalone and neigbourhood shops can remain open between 10.30 am and 6 pm; earlier they were allowed to open from 11 am to 5 pm.
Private establishments in the city can work with 33 per cent work force between 10.30 am and 6 pm.
Outside Chennai, shops selling essential items, grocery, fruits and vegetables can keep similar timings -- 6 am to 7 pm. Standalone and neigbourhood shops can open at 10 am and carry on till 6 pm.
The Tamil Nadu government has been criticised by the opposition for opening standalone liquor shops in low-risk areas, after social media videos showed widespread violation of the social distancing rules.
The Madras High Court last week ordered the state government to shut liquor shops over violation of its guidelines, allowing it to sell online.
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Sunday reiterated that the national capital has to "learn to live with COVID-19", implying it is ready to be opened.