Chennai: Tamil Nadu Government extended lockdown in the State till June 28^th with major relaxations including the resumption of metro services and inter-district public transport. The relaxations will not be enforced in Coimbatore and 10 other districts that have been categorized as hotspots, officials said.

Chennai and three surrounding districts Tiruvallur, Kancheepuram and Chengalpet have been provided major relaxations as part of the easing of lockdown amid the receding second Covid wave.  

 Major relaxations given below:

• Inter-district and intra-district public transport in the districts of Chennai, Tiruvallur, Kancheepuram and Chengalpet will be allowed to operate with 50% occupancy. Metrorail operation will also be allowed with 50 per cent seat occupancy.
• No e-registrations required for cabs and autos in these four districts.
• Cinema and TV serial shooting can commence with a maximum of 100 people. All of them have to undergo a mandatory Covid test.
• All construction works will be allowed in four districts.
• Shops selling computer hardware, software, electronic appliances, spare parts and shops selling construction materials can function between 9 AM and 7 PM in the four districts.
• Standalone shops – grocery, fruit and meat shops – allowed from 6 am – 7 pm.
• Restaurants allowed takeaway services from 6 am – 9 pm.
• E-commerce services allowed between 6 am – 9 pm.
• Government offices can work at 100% strength. Sub-registrar offices can function fully.
• Admission-related work in educational institutions will be allowed from allowed tomorrow.
• While private offices in Chennai will be allowed to function with 50% staff, companies in other districts will not be allowed to work more than 33% of staff strength.
• While export units can function with full strength, other industries to continue with 50% staff.
• Automative showrooms to operate from 9 am – 7 pm.
• Mandatory e-registration for plumbers, carpenters, computer/motor technicians for home visit.
• Footwear and optical shops can function between 9 am and 5 pm in Chennai, Tiruvallur, Kancheepuram and Chengalpet. Meanwhile, vehicle dealers and distributors in these districts have been allowed two hour extension (9 am – 7 pm).
• Salons, beauty parlours allowed functioning without air conditioners.