Lockdown continues in Madurai, relaxed in Chennai

Madurai city and its surrounding areas that were brought under total lockdown on June 24 will continue to remain under total lockdown till July 12, Chief Minister Edappadi K Palanisamy announced on Saturday.

While the total lockdown from June 24 did bring down the number of infections in the region, it did not bring the disease under control and hence it was being extended under the Disaster Management Act, Palanisamy said in a press release.

Only essential services would be permitted in the region that comprised Madurai city corporation, Paravai panchayat union, Madurai East, Madurai West and Tiruparunkundram municipal areas, the press release said.

In containment zones, however, no activity would be permitted and essential supplies for the households would be provided at the door step by the local bodies, it added.

The total lockdown in Chennai police limits will be relaxed from July 7 when takeaways from restaurants would be allowed from 6 am to 9 pm and door delivery of food will be permitted till 9 pm.

Vegetable shops and groceries can be opened and tea shop can offer parcel service between 6 am to 6 pm, the press release said.

Commercial establishments, other than those in malls, can be opened rom 10 am to 6 pm and all other activities can happen as per the norms that were in force prior to June 19 when the total lockdown was imposed in Chennai.