CHENNAI: The Union home ministry has asked the Tamil Nadu government to adhere to the its guidelines on SOPs to be followed for containing the Covid-19 pandemic and not to dilute them. The Centre has cited the Tamil Nadu government's recent order permitting 100% occupancy in theatres and multiplexes.
In a letter to Tamil Nadu chief secretary, Union home secretary Ajay Bhalla has said the state government's order permitting 100% occupancy in theatres and multiplexes is a dilution of MHA guidelines, which has permitted only 50% occupancy and that too outside containment zones. States and Unions territories shall not dilute guidelines issued under Disaster Management Act in any manner, the letter said.
The Tamil Nadu government's order on Monday permitted theatres and multiplexes to operate with 100% occupancy but by strictly following SOPs. It cited the reducing Covid-19 positive cases in the state for its decision.