TN to Open Shops and Businesses: Government's New Lockdown Ralaxation Guidelines Allow Industries and Shops to run Business!

The Tamil Nadu government has given permission for resuming construction activities such as road works, opening of Special Economic Zones (SEZ), Export Oriented Units (EOU) and Export units. Though Tamil Nadu government has formally extended the lockdown till May 17, it has announced many relaxations. The guidelines issued are different for Chennai and Non- Chennai residents. This was done to control the spread of the pandemic. 

Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami held a meeting at the Secretariat yesterday and announced the decision. The main recommendations of the medical and health expert committee headed by Finance Secretary S Krishnan, was taken into consideration. 

“A press release stated that all restrictions under Section 144 will continue to be in place in containment zones”, The Hindu Business Line cited.

Here is a list of Relaxations: 

• In Chennai (Apart from containment Zones) resumption of construction activities like road works, opening of SEZs, EOUs and export units within the jurisdiction of Greater Chennai Police has been permitted. These units can function with 25 % of employees and IT companies with 10% employees. The employees will be allowed to use only company vehicles. 
• Shops selling essential goods will be allowed to function from 6:00 am to 5 pm; restaurants can sell only parcels between 6 am to 9pm. 
• E commerce websites will be allowed to deliver essentials. 
• “Standalone and neighbourhood” shops such as hardware, cement, construction goods, sanitary, electricals, mobile phones, IT peripherals, will be allowed to function from 11 am to 5 pm.
• Salons and beauty parlours will not be operational.
• Other than Chennai (Except containment zones), all industrial units will be operational. They will be working with 50% of their employees if their total population is more than 15,000.
• Industrial estates, SEZs, EOUs and industrial parks too has been permitted to work with 50% of the employees. Hardware manufacturers will operate with 50% workers as well.

“All the units should strictly adhere to Standard Operating Procedures,” the press release read.