Covid-19 surge: Tamil Nadu likely to announce these stringent curbs this evening

CHENNAI: The Tamil Nadu government will announce stringent curbs by Saturday evening, including closure of cinema theatres and malls, highly placed sources said.
The government has been holding discussions since Friday night in the wake of a surge in cases. The state clocked new 13,776 Covid cases and 78 fatalities on Friday.
“There will not be complete lockdown, but stringent restrictions will be in place,” said a source.
Entry to places of worship will be prohibited, except for staff to do regular rituals. The temple events will be banned, but those scheduled earlier will be permitted with staff and not with the public.
The government has decided to close bars. Sit-in dining may not be allowed in restaurants, but take away service will be allowed, sources said.
The further restrictions expected are closure of all malls and big shopping complexes. All other establishments will be allowed without airconditioning.
There will not, however, be restrictions on industries and agriculture.