Chennai: Tamil Nadu government relaxed restrictions of lockdown 4.0; the government allows travel for Covid-19 least affected 25 districts in the state, including Coimbatore, Salem, Trichy and Nilgiris. The relaxations will not apply to containment zones. The state extended lockdown in the state upto May 31^st.

Travel within 25 districts will be allowed freely, so long as it is for essential purposes. Inter – state travel will continue to require government permission. Tamil Nadu state capital Chennai and 12 other districts allowed taxis and auto rickshaws will only for medical use, and will require e-passes to function. Across the state, all schools, colleges, places of worship, cinema theatres and bars will remain shut during the lockdown. Parks, beaches and major sporting and cultural events continue to be banned. However, teachers and education staff evaluating Class 12 exam papers have been exempted.

Restrictions on weddings and funerals will continue, the government said, adding that tourists to three popular hill stations in the state – Ooty, Yercaud and Kodaikanal – will not be allowed till further notice. Government and private buses permitted to transport government staff or industrial workers can carry a maximum of 20 persons. Vans are permitted to carry seven and smaller cars three, including the driver; slightly larger cars, including MUVs like the Toyota Innova, can carry three excluding the driver.

Coaching for sportspersons competing at national and international level has also been exempted, so long as the athlete concerned has permission from local administration. Outside Chennai, 100 per cent workforce has been allowed in factories and industrial units that have less than 100 employees. Factories with more than 100 employees can run at 50 per cent capacity.

The good news, though, is that many districts have a declining trend in number of new cases. Earlier this week Tamil Nadu reported over 2,600 cases reported from Koyambedu, a wholesale market near Chennai where vegetables and fruits are sold.