The Tamil Nadu government on Monday extended existing COVID-19 lockdown restrictions, including a curfew, until January 31 and imposed new restrictions during the Pongal festival.

Under the additional restrictions, the public will be banned from “all places of worship” statewide from Jan. 14 to 18. Additionally, there will be a total lockdown on Sunday, January 16 (during which, essential services will be suspended as permitted).

In a statement, Chief Minister M.K. Stalin said buses will be allowed to operate at 75 percent of their seating capacity for the benefit of those who are out of town for the Pongal festival.

“All existing restrictions and easing measures will remain in place,” he said. Existing restrictions, excluding direct categories from Standard I to IX; no classes in nursery and kindergarten departments; and no tutoring and training sessions. In addition, book fairs and exhibitions remain postponed, while travel by subway, suburban trains and buses (city/town) will only be allowed at up to 50% of seating capacity.

Mr. Stalin said COVID-19 precautions will be monitored statewide, and organizations and individuals found to be violating them will be penalized. He reiterated his call for those not vaccinated against COVID-19 to visit vaccination camps and get vaccinated.

Collectors and local agencies have been instructed to conduct micro-level surveillance to track infections and implement published standard operating procedures, Mr Stalin said. Greater Chennai Corporate Commissioners and District Tax Collectors should take action against commercial establishments/stores that continue to fail to follow COVID-19 precautions.

“With all the necessary medical infrastructure available to provide treatment, the public need not worry about the growing spread of COVID-19,” he said, calling on people to go out only when necessary and follow all safety protocols.

Earlier Monday, Mr. Stalin chaired a meeting to review the statewide COVID-19 and Omicron situation. Health Minister Ma. Subramanian, Chief Secretary V. Irai Anbu, World Health Organization (WHO) Chief Scientist Dr Soumya Swaminathan and senior officials attended the meeting.

He urged commercial establishments to provide customers with disinfectant and heat shield them. He said employees should ensure customers wear masks or legal action will be filed.

Operators and practitioners of commercial complexes and shops should be required to hold vaccination certificates. The CM also asked all stores to refrain from using air-conditioning facilities and ensure physical distancing norms.

Complete News Source : The Hindu