Tamil Nadu: New lockdown relaxations apply from today, Bus and Metro services resumed in Chennai

The Tamil Nadu government has announced further relaxation in 27 districts of the state, including Chennai after a decline in Covid-19 cases in the state.

The government has extended other restrictions under the lockdown till 6 am on June 28.

The Tamil Nadu government has divided the 38 districts into three categories for relaxation in restrictions, the government has allowed further relaxation in 23 districts of the second category, while most of the relaxations, including the resumption of bus services, have been given in four districts of the third category.

Chennai and its adjoining Tiruvallur, Kancheepuram and Chengelpet districts are in the third category.

New Guidelines:

• Bus services are going to be restored after 42 days in four districts including Chennai from Monday.
• Eliminating the need for e-registration in Chennai and three adjoining districts, the government said people can travel by autorickshaws and taxis without any such prior permission.
• The government said in an official release that metro services will be restored here with 50 percent capacity and similarly in four districts including Chennai, intra and inter-state bus (non-air-conditioned) service will run with 50 percent capacity.
• Religious places, cinema halls will remain closed.
• Film shooting has been allowed with a maximum of 100 people.
• The admission process in schools, colleges and universities may take place, but regular classes for students will remain closed, the release said.
• According to the release, no additional relaxation has been given in the 11 districts of category 1 and the existing relaxation will apply there, including allowing shops of essential commodities, which will continue there.

The eleven exempted districts are Coimbatore, Nilgiris, Tiruppur, Erode, Salem, Karur, Namakkal, Thanjavur, Tiruvarur, Nagapattinam, and Mayiladuthurai.