COVID-19: Tamil Nadu bring in new restrictions - know what's allowed, what's not

As COVID-19 cases are increasing in the state, the Tamil Nadu government, like many other state governments on Thursday announced a slew of restrictions, including banning religious events starting April 10.

On one hand, the Tamil Nadu Health department and civic officials have stepped up testing to detect cases, on the other hand, they are educating people to get themselves vaccinated without fail. 

Health workers have once again started the door-knocks to thermal scan the residents in addition to ascertaining if the people have taken the shots. 

Tamil Nadu saw 986 new COVID-19 cases on Wednesday, taking the number to 9,11,110, while the toll rose to 12,821 with 17 more fatalities, the health department said.

Some of the restrictions imposed

Ban on religious gatherings and festivals from April 10.

Public worship will be permitted in religious places only till 8 pm.

Complete lockdown will be enforced without any relaxations in containment zones across the state.

E-pass will continue to be implemented for those travelling from other states and countries.

Passengers will not be allowed to stand and travel in government and private buses.

Restrictions imposed on small traders at the Koyambedu market in Chennai from April 10.

Only 50% of customers allowed in vegetable and grocery shops, tea shops, restaurants, large format stores, big showrooms, malls, etc.

Shops in the state allowed to function only till 11 pm.

Only 50% occupancy allowed in recreational clubs, entertainment parks, etc.

Multiplex, theatres can allow only 50% occupancy.

Only 200 people allowed for educational, political, social, cultural, sports indoor meetings/events, etc.

100 people allowed for weddings and 50 for funerals.

No audience allowed for sports events at stadiums.

Only three people allowed to travel in cabs and two in autos.

TV serial and film shooting will be permitted, but the management should ensure the crew and cast get RT-PCR tests.