G.O.Ms.No. 318, COVID-19, Extending Restrictions in Tamil Nadu till 31.03.2021
The Government of Tamil Nadu Revenue and Disaster Management Department issued G.O.Ms.No. 318 on 28th February 2021, extending the statewide COVID-19 lockdown under the Disaster Management Act, 2005, until 24:00 hours on 31st March 2021, with existing restrictions and relaxations. It governed public conduct, workplaces, businesses, containment zones and enforcement during that period, and did not change land ownership or property records.
What the document did
G.O.Ms.No. 318 of the Government of Tamil Nadu Revenue and Disaster Management Department, dated 28th February 2021, extended the statewide COVID-19 lockdown until 24:00 hours on 31st March 2021. The extension continued the existing restrictions and the relaxations granted through earlier government orders listed in the notification.
The notification was issued under the Disaster Management Act, 2005, following directions from the Government of India Ministry of Home Affairs and a recommendation from the Additional Chief Secretary and Commissioner of Revenue Administration.
Who it affected
G.O.Ms.No. 318 applied throughout Tamil Nadu during the stated lockdown period. It affected members of the public, shops, offices, workplaces, markets, industrial and commercial establishments, transport users, district administrations, police authorities and municipal authorities.
For property buyers and owners, the notification did not alter title, registration, land classification or property records. Its relevance was limited to temporary public health requirements affecting access to workplaces, shops, commercial premises and other public locations.
Main requirements
The Revenue and Disaster Management Department required the following measures:
- International passenger air travel remained prohibited, except for purposes permitted by the Ministry of Home Affairs.
- Face coverings were compulsory in public places, workplaces and during transport.
- Individuals had to maintain adequate distance in public places, and shops had to ensure physical distancing among customers.
- District authorities could carefully demarcate containment zones at the micro level and enforce the prescribed containment measures.
- District authorities had to enforce the applicable Standard Operating Procedures for activities including passenger trains, air travel, metro trains, schools, higher educational institutions, hotels, restaurants, shopping malls, multiplexes, entertainment parks, yoga centres and gymnasiums.
- Workplaces had to provide thermal screening, hand wash or sanitiser, frequent sanitisation and adequate distancing between workers.
- Work and business hours, shifts and staff lunch breaks were to be staggered.
- Persons above 65 years, persons with co-morbidities, pregnant women and children below 10 years were advised to take necessary precautions.
- Aarogya Setu could continue to be used on a best effort basis on compatible mobile phones.
Enforcement
G.O.Ms.No. 318 made district administrations responsible for strict enforcement. Violations could lead to proceedings under the Disaster Management Act, 2005, legal action under the Indian Penal Code and other applicable legal provisions. District administrations could, as far as possible, use the Criminal Procedure Code provisions identified in the notification to enforce social distancing.
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Common questions
Did G.O.Ms.No. 318 change my land title or property records?
No. The notification extended COVID-19 restrictions and public health measures across Tamil Nadu. It contains no change to land title, registration, classification or property records.
How long did the extended lockdown apply?
The statewide lockdown was extended until 24:00 hours on 31st March 2021.
Did shops and commercial premises have specific duties?
Yes. Shops had to ensure physical distancing among customers. Workplaces and commercial establishments also had to follow measures including staggered hours, screening, hand hygiene, sanitisation and adequate distancing.
Who was responsible for enforcing the restrictions?
District administrations were responsible for enforcement, while local district, police and municipal authorities had to ensure that containment measures were strictly followed.
