Chennai: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister E. Palani Swamy has declared an intense lock down for four days in five cities from Sunday. CM said that to break the chain of transmission of the highly contagious novel Covid- 19, which has infected more than 1, 600 people in the state so far.

Speaking to the media persons Palani Swamy on Friday afternoon said that a four day intense shut down has been declared in Chennai, Madurai and Coimbatore from Sunday 6 am, which will continue till 9 pm on Wednesday. The restrictions will be intensified for three days in Tirupur and Salem, starting 6 am on Sunday till 9 pm on Tuesday, he said.

Under this intense lockdown, people would not be able to step out of their house even to buy groceries as grocery and vegetable shops – which were allowed to stay open from 6 am to 1 pm earlier – will be shut. Take away from restaurants will also not be allowed to restrict movement of people and ensure social distancing.  The chief minister assured people that vegetables and fruits shall reach their doorsteps via mobile outlets. “To vend vegetables and fruits, only mobile outlets shall be allowed,” he said.

He also said that during these days of intensified lockdown, disinfection tasks will be carried out twice in containment zones and only government-run Amma canteens that provide food at subsidized rates, ATMs, hospitals, labs, pharmacies and allied services like ambulances shall be functional. Community kitchens, non-profits, caregivers for elderly and differently-abled are also allowed to function. Banks and Central government offices are allowed only 33 per cent of employees during these four days. While employees in sectors like information technology could work from home, other private sector firms shall remain closed, the government said.

A case will be filed against those violating the shutdown and their vehicles would be impounded, the chief minister said.