Chennai, April 25 : For the first time in 2021 and after a gap of seven months, Tamil Nadu on Sunday came under a
complete lockdown tomorrow, as part of the government’s decision to implement full curfew on Sundays in view of
the rapid increase in corona positive cases.

Roads wore a deserted look, all shops, shopping malls and commercial establishments were closed, vehicles were off
the roads as a bandh-like situation prevailed as Tamil Nadu observed total lockdown to prevent spread of the second
wave of the corona virus.

Police sources said special teams from police and otherdepartments have been formed to monitor the situation
across the State and to penalise the violators. More than 15,000 police personnel were deployed in Chennai
city to prevent people from venturing out of their homes. All flyovers and subways were closed by putting up barricades.

However, subsidised Amma Canteens functioned as usual as itwas the only source of food for thousands of migrant workers. Barricades were erected on all arterial roads and at vantage installations, besides check posts were also put up to prevent unnecessary movement of people.

Those who venture out without any essential reason were taken to task, the sources said. The government, while announcing total shut down on Sundays however, said take away services from hotels and restaurants are permitted from 0600 hrs to 1000 hrs, 1200 hrs to 1500 hrs and 1800 hrs to 2100 hrs.

Food delivery services by e-commerce platforms like swiggy and zomato were also allowed to operate during this period. Other e-commerce firms are not allowed to operate on Sunday, officials said.

All meat shops, fish markets, vegetable shops, cinema theatres, shopping malls and commercial establishments were shut today.

Already night curfew was imposed in the State from April 20 from 2200 hrs to 0400 hrs. This meant that the State is now under total lockdown for 30 hrs continuously that started at 10.00 PM last night till 04.00 AM tomorrow.

Announcing a complete lockdown on all Sundays across the State, as witnessed in 2020 during the peak of the pandemic, the state government said fish and meat markets, fruits and vegetable shops, movie theatres, commercial establishments and all shops will not be allowed to function.

“Strict action will be taken against those who do not follow this,” the government said, adding, however, essential and emergency services such as those allowed during the night curfew will be allowed on Sundays.

Weddings, which were already fixed, were conducted with a maximum of 100 persons and funerals with a maximum of 50 persons by following the COVID-19 protocols.

Temple Kumbhabhisekam (consecration of temples) events which have already been planned is allowed with a maximum of 50 general public with employees of the temple and the temple administration by following the necessary protocols.

However, the government has announced fresh restrictions from tomorrow to prevent the virus spread, while stating that the night curfew and Sunday lockdowns will continue.

From tomorrow, public are barred from worship in temples and places of worship, hotels are allowed only for takeaways, all clubs, bars and recreation facilities to remain shut.

All big format shops, shopping complexes and malls will be closed, while vegetable and grocery shops and other shops will be allowed to function as usual.

Departmental stores are allowed to function without air-conditioning facility with 50 per cent customers.

The government also banned opening of beauty parlour, spas, saloons and barber shops across the states, while allowing only takeaway services (no dining) in restaurants, hotels, mess and tea shops.(UNI)