Tamil Nadu extends ban on festivals, political, religious gatherings till Oct 31, says they can become COVID-19 `super spreaders`

New Delhi: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin on Thursday (September 9, 2021) announced that the existing ban on festivals, political, social and religious gatherings in the state is being extended till October 31. The decision comes as part of a stringent measure to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and to safeguard from the possible third wave of coronavirus.

The Tamil Nadu CM while referring to the festivals, political, religious and social events as possible "super spreaders" said that the occasion calls for stricter protocols. 

Earlier on August 30, the state had announced the closure of beaches on Sundays for the public. The state had also extended the ban on religious places of worship on weekends and restricted religious festivals till September 15 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Apart from Ganesh Chaturthi on Friday, October ushers in a string of events like Gandhi Jayanthi, Dussehra celebrations, Milad un-Nabi, Valmiki jayanthi and Karva Chauth. 

The Chief Minister also urged the people to celebrate festivals from the safety of their homes, while making the announcement of the extension of the ban of “super spreader events” till October end.

“Avoid crowded places and needless travel. Follow COVID-19 safety precautions,” he advised. Pointing to the developments in neighboring state, Kerala, which is battling COVID-19 and Nipah virus outbreak, Stalin said the State government has banned the celebration of religious festivals in public places including Vinayaka Chaturthi in an attempt to contain the spread of the Coronavirus in the State. Public transport to Kerala has been suspended owing to the increase in fresh infections in that State, he said in a release here. 

"The present measure is being taken as per the Centre's advisory on a possible third wave in September-October," the chief minister said and added that due to the rigorous efforts of the state government, the active cases declined to about 1,600 now from nearly 36,000. On May 27.

“Relaxation has been given to garland the statues of freedom fighters by the district collectors with strict social distancing norms in place. Five members from the family of the freedom fighters and five from registered parties would be allowed to garland the statues with permission from the collectors concerned,” the Chief Minister said.

(With PTI inputs)