Tamil Nadu government on Saturday announced that it is easing off a host of restrictions in Chennai from beginning from Monday.
As per the restrictions, the government has decided to allow 33 per cent workforce to return to offices in Chennai, 24×7 petrol pumps on state and central highways and opening of tea-shops (except those in containment zones) across the state.
The state government even moved the Supreme Court against the Madras high court’s order to close all state-run liquor outlets.
Tamil Nadu on Friday recorded 600 new cases, taking the total number of COVID-19 cases to 6009.
The new cases have been linked to a vegetable and fruit wholesale market in Chennai, which was declared as a hotspot.
“Shops selling essentials goods like vegetables and groceries will open from 6 am to 7 pm within Chennai corporation limits from Monday,” the state government said.
“Moreover, standalone and neighbourhood shops will remain open from 10.30 am to 6 pm in Chennai, and 10 am to 7 pm in the rest of the state,” the government further informed.
It also said that tea shops can operate in all parts of the state, except within containment zones.
“However, customers will not be allowed to remain within the shops,” the government further said.
It was also announced that petrol pumps in Chennai will be open from 6 am to 6 pm, however, they will operate 24X7 on central and state highways.
“In Chennai, private offices can operate with 33 per cent workforce from 10.30 am to 6 pm,” the state government order stated.
The government order, however, did not specify if public transportation would be allowed in the state.