COVID-19: Complete lockdown in Tamil Nadu from May 10, check what`s allowed and what`s not

New Delhi: Owing to what is being referred to as “unavoidable circumstances”, newly sworn-in Chief Minister MK Stalin on Saturday (May 8, 2021) announced a state-wide lockdown in Tamil Nadu from 4 am on May 10 to 24. 

To prepare for this lockdown, all shops and establishments are being permitted to function on May 8 to 9 (Saturday and Sunday) from 6 am to 9 pm. 

On Friday, Tamil Nadu witnessed 26,465 new Covid-19 cases, 22,381 recoveries, thus taking the active cases to 1,35,355. 197 deaths were recorded over the last 24 hours. Chennai alone had recorded 6,738 new cases on Friday. For context, even the entire state of Tamil Nadu had seen only a maximum of 6,900-odd Covid-19 cases in the first wave, but now Chennai itself is nearing that number. Tamil Nadu is almost nearing four-times the highest number of daily cases, as was seen in the first wave. 

What’s not allowed: 

International flights, except for those allowed by Home Ministry 

Those coming into Tamil Nadu must apply for instant-approval E-passes from eregister.tnega.org

Big format stores (above 3000sq ft) and shopping malls will remain closed.

TASMAC liquor outlets will remain shut.

Beauty parlors, salons, spas to remain closed across the state. 

Cinema halls, recreation clubs, bars, auditoriums, entertainment/amusement parks, meeting halls, and similar public places to remain closed.

Ban on small-scale veggie-fruit shops in Koyambedu market in Chennai continues. 

Small-scale shops in wholesale markets across Tamil Nadu’s districts will remain shut.

Ban on indoor or outdoor sport, education, entertainment, cultural, political or social events 

Private Offices, IT & ITEs will not be allowed to function, only WFH is allowed.

No permission for rituals at all places of worship.

Tourist destinations like Nilgiris, Kodaikanal, Yercaud will remain closed. 

No entry for people across beaches in Tamil Nadu.

Zoos, museums, parks, protected monuments to remain shut on all days.

Schools, colleges, Universities, Govt and pvt training centers, summer camps, Swimming pools, Sports training academies to remain shut as well.

What’s allowed: 

Banks, ATMs, functions related to banking, insurance will be permitted with 50 percent staff. 

Courts and Judiciary, Secretariat, government machinery, all health and medical related activities allowed to function.

Take-away timings in hotels will be as follows: 6am-10am; 12noon-3pm; 6pm-9pm. Swiggy, Zomato and related services can operate during these hours alone.

Standalone grocery, vegetable shops and supermarkets, meat and fish stalls can operate till 12 noon without AC (all others shops not permitted to function).

Dunzo and similar E-com delivery services are permitted to deliver grocery, veggies and other items. 

No dine-in or buffet system in restaurants. 

Upto 20 persons permitted at Funerals and related processions.

Maximum of 50 persons at weddings and related functions.

State and Central Govt offices other than the essential category won’t function. 

Only exempted factories permitted to function.

Shops selling agricultural needs such as fertilizer, pesticide, cattle feed can function from 6 am to 12 noon.

Milk, newspaper, courier, hospitals and related functions, goods transport, vehicles transporting farm produce, Petrol and diesel tankers and pumps will be allowed to function in the state.

Press and media personnel will be allowed to move across the state. 

Telecom sector and related functions can go on uninterrupted.