This story is from May 18, 2020

Tamil Nadu removes transport curbs in 25 districts, no relief for Chennai

While intra-district private transportation in these districts can be operated without permission after nearly two months, all existing restrictions will continue in containment zones across the state.
Tamil Nadu removes transport curbs in 25 districts, no relief for Chennai
File photo of Tamil Nadu chief minister Edappadi K Palaniswami
CHENNAI: A few hours before the Centre extended the lockdown till May 31 across the country, chief minister Edappadi K Palaniswami extended the lockdown in the state till end of the month with easing of transport restrictions in 25 districts where new Covid-19 cases are nil or have come down significantly.
While intra-district private transportation in these districts can be operated without permission after nearly two months, all existing restrictions will continue in containment zones across the state.

In Chennai and 11 other districts - Kancheepuram, Tiruvallur, Chengalpet, Villupuram, Cuddalore, Ranipet, Tirupattur, Kallakurichi, Tiruvannamalai, Ariyalur and Perambalur - restrictions will remain unchanged. Taxis and autorickshaws can operate in the these 12 districts, where intra-district movement is otherwise prohibited, for emergency medical needs by getting e-passes.
Public transport remains suspended
Industries with less than 100 workers can operate in cities
The CM said, “Interstate rail services and trains to and from Chennai to other parts of Tamil Nadu will be prohibited, except air, rail and public transport with special permission from Central/state governments.”
Palaniswami, however, said the restrictions will not be applicable for those involved in evaluation of Class XII exam answer sheets.
Industries in urban areas like corporations, municipalities and town panchayats, excluding those in Greater Chennai Police limits, with less than 100 workers can operate with 100% strength, while companies with more than 100 workers can work with 50% strength or a maximum of 100 workers. Private and business establishments can use minimum staff for maintenance.

Movement of tourists to hill stations such as the Nilgiris, Kodaikanal and Yercaud will not be allowed.
Inter-state public transport, operation of airconditioned showrooms, jewellery, textile and department stores, too, will not be permitted.
“The government is continuously monitoring the virus spread. It will announce further relaxations when infection rate comes down,” the CM said.
Palaniswami said the state will take efforts to get permission from the Centre to operate special express train twice a week from New Delhi. Ten special flights and two ships under Vande Bharat mission have brought 1,665 and 264 stranded passengers to Tamil Nadu. “I have told officials to coordinate with the Centre to bring back Tamils who want to return. I’ve also directed officials to expedite rescue of Tamils from other states through special trains in a phased manner,” the CM said. Palaniswami said the lockdown extension was
based on review meetings, video conference with district collectors, meeting of health expert committee, and inputs from ministers.
The government has decided to prohibit opening of educational institutions, religious places, and religious congregations.
Cinema halls, shopping malls, gymnasiums, sports complexes, swimming pools, entertainment parks, theatres, bars, auditoriums, assembly halls, political, sports, entertainment, academic, cultural and religious functions, too, will be prohibited.
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