The Chief Minister however clarified that all essential services would continue to operate

The COVID-19 lockdown will be imposed completely in areas within Chennai, Madurai and Coimbatore Municipal Corporations from 6 a.m. on April 26 to 9 p.m. on April 29, Chief Minister Edappadi K. Palaniswami announced on Friday.

In a statement, the Chief Minister also announced that the complete lockdown would be imposed in Salem and Tiruppur Municipal Corporations from 6 a.m. on April 26 to 9 p.m. on April 28. In all other areas other than these Municipal Corporations, existing restrictions would continue to be in place.

However, he clarified that all essential services would continue to operate. Hospitals, clinical labs, ambulances and allied services, health, police, revenue and electricity departments, Aavin, local administration and drinking water supply would continue to function.

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“Wholesale vegetable markets such as the one in Koyambedu would function within appropriate rules. Likewise, the sale of vegetables and fruits only on mobile carts would be allowed. There is no permission for any of the other shops to operate during these days,” he pointed out.

“All Central government offices would continue to function but only 33% of staff would be allowed to work," he said. Amma canteens, ATMs and food delivery services would be allowed.

Care-givers for the elderly, persons with disabilities and those who are destitute would be allowed. Community kitchens operated by district administrations, social welfare and local administration departments would also be allowed to operate. NGOs serving the poor and other such organisations could operate with appropriate permissions from government authorities concerned, he said.

Apart from the listed services, no others would be allowed, he said and added: “As for areas other than these Municipal Corporations, restrictions in place would continue.”

IT companies can operate through Work from Home. Other private companies will not function,” he said.

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Stringent restrictions in containment zones

The CM said stringent restrictions would be imposed in containment zones during this period and disinfectants would be administered daily.

“In other areas of the city too, the movement of people would be restricted. If anyone is found violating the rules, their vehicles would be seized and strict action would be taken against such persons,” the CM said.

Mr. Palaniswami also appealed for cooperation from the general public in this regard.