TN, Puducherry extend lockdown till April 30

Tamil Nadu and neighbouring Puducherry on Monday extended the lockdown due to coronavirus pandemic till April 30.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister K. Palaniswami said all the restrictions imposed during teh nationwide lockdown would continue.

In a statement issued here, Palaniswami said that based on the recommendations made by expert group and decision taken at the Cabinet meeting on April 11, the lockdown has been extended.

He said free rice and one kg sugar/oil/dal will be given to ration card holders for May.

Palaniswami also said that Rs 1,000 each will be paid to construction workers and members of various sectoral welfare boards.

Similarly, migrant workers will be issued 15 kg rice, 1 kg dal and one kg cooking oil free of cost.

According to him, based on requests, bakeries will be allowed to function between 6 am and 1 pm and they can do only parcel sales.

Palaniswami said the government has made arrangement with the Telemedicine Society of India so that people can get clarifications.

Health Minister C. Vijayabaskar said the state government has facilitated delivery of selective medicines to those with prescriptions at their doorsteps from April 14 onwards.

He said people can call toll-free number 1800 121 2172 to avail of the service.

Meanwhile, wearing of masks has been made compulsory in Chennai and Coimbatore.

Puducherry Chief Minister V. Narayanasamy also announced the lockdown extension in the Union Territory till April 30.

He said agricultural and fishing activities could be carried on during this period. IANS