Unlock 1.0 rules for Tamil Nadu: What is allowed, what is not 

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Although the Centre issued detailed guidelines on May 30 listing a host of activities that would be allowed as the country gradually reopens after the months-long lockdown to curb the spread of the novel coronavirus, the Tamil Nadu government has decided to not lift the restrictions until June 30.

However, while continuing with the curbs on religious activities and malls, gyms, etc., Chief Minister K Palaniswami has introduced certain relaxations vis-à-vis public transport, reopening of offices.

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Let us take a look at what will be allowed in Tamil Nadu from June 8:

> Public transport services will resume partially except in Chennai, Kancheepuram, Tiruvallur and Chengalpet due to the high number of coronavirus cases reported from these districts. The operational fleet size will be reduced too.

> The TN administration has also permitted autorickshaws and taxi cabs to ply across the state while observing all the SOPs.

> Inter-state transport has been allowed but obtaining an e-pass will be compulsory for the same.

> Standalone, local shops and jewellery showrooms can start operations, except the ones located inside malls.

> In Chennai, the stores will have to operate with only 50 percent of their staff and run without air-conditioning. Five customers will be allowed inside at a time to maintain strict social distancing.

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> Dine-in services at restaurants will be allowed from June 8, but only 50 percent of its seating capacity. Air-conditioning will have to be turned off here as well. The same rules will apply to tea and coffee shops.

> Domestic helps can also get back to work across the state of Tamil Nadu.

> All IT firms in Chennai will be allowed to operate with 20 percent of the employee strength or a maximum of 40 employees. Other private companies will be allowed to operate at 50 percent employee strength.

> Outside of Chennai, all firms and manufacturing units can run with their full employee strength. However, the government has mandated that 20 percent of an IT firm’s employees continue to work from home.

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> Hotels and resorts will be allowed to accommodate only medical, police, and government officials, and serve as quarantine facilities for those coming from other states.

What is not allowed in Tamil Nadu:

> The ban on places of worship will continue; all religious places will be shut.

> Inter-state bus transport will continue to be suspended. Metros and local trains will not function either until June 30.

> Malls will not reopen until further communication.

> Theatres, malls, multiplexes, and gyms continue to be shut.

> No educational institute including schools and colleges have been allowed to start functioning yet.

> Tourist activities continue to be banned at all popular travel destinations such as Ooty, Kodaikanal, etc.

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