Tamil Nadu reported 536 as the State enters Lockdown 4.0

Chennai: Tamil Nadu reported 536 new cases of the novel Coronavirus as the State moves into Lockdown 4.0. This comes after the Chief Minister issued guidelines on relaxation in 25 districts in the State.

These 25 districts include Coimbatore, Erode, Salem, Tiruppur, Namakkal, Karur, Trichy and Tuticorin.

In these districts, people do not need the state-government e-pass for travelling. Further, buses, cabs and auto-rickshaws can ply on roads. Employees need to take permission from the authorities for travel though. Special buses can ferry up to 20 employees for travelling to office while vans can carry up to seven people at a time. Small cars can accommodate two passengers apart from the driver and SUVs are allowed to ferry three people, the government said.

Industries with less than 100 employees can operate with 100% workforce. Those with more than 100 personnel can work with 50% of staffers or a minimum of 100 workers (whichever is higher). This new relaxation for industries applies to all regions in Tamil Nadu, barring Chennai city and its suburbs, the government clarified.

The Chief Minister, however, said that there would be no relaxation in 12 districts in the State which include badly affected regions like Chennai and its neighbouring districts like Kancheepuram, Tiruvallur, Chengelpet, Villupuram, Cuddalore and Ranipet.

The State capital has seen 7117 cases of Covid-19 so far. Of the 536 cases reported in Tamil Nadu, Chennai accounted for 364 cases on Monday.

In these 12 districts, taxis and auto-rickshaws will be permitted to run for medical purposes. Tamil Nadu e-passes will be mandatory here. Schools, colleges, and all educational institutions will remain shut. But the evaluation of answer sheets of 12th standard public examinations was allowed.

The Chief Minister said that movement of tourists to hill stations such as Nilgiris, Kodaikanal and Ooty too would not be allowed.

General guidelines from the third phase of the lockdown will continue, the government said. Mask-wearing will be made mandatory in public places. Temples, mosques, churches and all other places of religious worship too will remain closed till May 31.

Tamil Nadu has witnessed 11,760 cases in all and has seen the death toll rise to 81 in the State with three more deaths being reported on Monday.

Out of the 536 new Covid19 cases reported in Tamil Nadu on Monday, 46 were people who came back to the state from Maharashtra.

A total of 234 Coronavirus patients were discharged today from hospitals across Tamil Nadu taking the total number of recoveries in the State to 4,406.

*Eased restrictions in 25 districts:*

No need for the state-government e-pass for travelling.

Buses, cabs, and auto-rickshaws can ply on roads.

Employees need to take permission from the authorities for travel.

Special buses can ferry up to 20 employees for travelling to office.

Vans can carry up to seven people at a time.

Small cars can accommodate two passengers apart from the driver and SUVs are allowed to ferry three people.

*New relaxations for industry:*

Industries with less than 100 employees can operate with 100% workforce.

Those with more than 100 personnel can work with 50% of staffers or a minimum of 100 workers (whichever is higher). This new relaxation for industries applies to all regions in Tamil Nadu, barring Chennai city and its suburbs.

*Guidelines in the 12 districts including Chennai:*

Taxis and auto-rickshaws will be permitted only for medical purposes. Tamil Nadu e-pass is mandatory.