COVID-19: Complete lockdown to be enforced in 5 Tamil Nadu cities between April 26-29

In a major development on Friday, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Edappadi Palaniswami anunced that a complete lockdown will be enforced in state capital Chennai, Coimbatore, and Madurai from April 26 to April 29 between 6 AM and 9 PM. Chief Minister has also anunced a complete lockdown in Salem and Tiruppur from April 26 and April 28 between 6 AM and 9 PM.  move comes as an attempt to restrict COVID spread which has gripped entire nation with state accounting for 1,683 positive cases and 20 deaths to date. 752 individuals have also recovered from disease in sourn state. 

Banks to continue with 33% of its employees

Meanwhile, a nationwide lockdown till May 3 as anunced by Prime Minister on April 14 has already been enforced. anuncement of a complete lockdown means that barring essential services, a strict ban shall be imposed on or activities within given dates. Small shops selling fruits and vegetable will t be allowed to operate between given dates. Essentials like groceries, vegetables and fruits will be available in mobile shops arranged by city corporations. However, wholesale vegetable and fruit markets shall continue to operate. 

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Online delivery of food items has been allowed and employees of IT companies in se areas must work from home. Government and private offices including Registrar's office will t be allowed to function between April 26 and April 28/29. Medical services, revenue and disaster manment, and Aavin milk will be allowed while 33% of employees in Central Government offices and banks have been permitted to carry out essential work. ATMs will also remain operational during this period. 

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Strict measures in Tamil Nadu

Following spike in number of Coronavirus cases, Chief Minister K Palaniswami said a series of measures were being implemented to check spread of contagion in city.

"Considering prevailing situation, I have directed steps to completely curb public movement in containment zones, expedite contact tracing and subject m to tests, and carry out coronavirus testing on those in city limits with symptoms like breathlessness, fever, and throat pain," he had said in a statement.

Two IAS officials have been additionally appointed as zonal officers for this purpose, he said. Furr, he anunced an increase in solatium for frontline workers in battle, from existing Rs 10 lakh to Rs 50 lakh.

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