G.O. Ms. No. 217, Corona Virus Disease (COVID-19), 2020

What the notification governed

G.O. Ms. No. 217, issued by the Revenue and Disaster Management Department of the Government of Tamil Nadu on 3 May 2020, governed COVID-19 restrictions during the lockdown from 00:00 hours on 4 May 2020 until 24:00 hours on 17 May 2020. Agricultural and other activities already permitted could continue, but no activity was permitted in containment zones.

The notification did not create rules for land ownership, registration or property transfers. Its main relevance to property owners, developers, contractors and businesses was the temporary control of construction, workplaces, shops, hotels and access to premises.

Construction and property-related activity

G.O. Ms. No. 217 applied different conditions within and outside the jurisdiction of the Greater Chennai Police:

• Within the Greater Chennai Police jurisdiction, construction could use workers already staying at the site. Workers from outside could be brought in on a one-time basis.
• Government and Public Sector Undertaking construction and road works were allowed.
• Outside the Greater Chennai Police jurisdiction, urban construction was allowed using workers at the site, with outside workers brought in on a one-time basis.
• Construction material, hardware, cement, sanitaryware and electrical shops could operate during specified hours, depending on location.
• Transport of construction materials was not restricted outside the Greater Chennai Police jurisdiction.
• Plumbers, electricians, air-conditioning mechanics and carpenters required permission from the Commissioner of the Greater Chennai Corporation or the District Collector, as applicable.

Continuing closures and restrictions

G.O. Ms. No. 217 continued closures affecting many premises and services:

• Schools, colleges, training and research institutions remained closed.
• Religious places were closed to the public, and religious gatherings were prohibited.
• Malls, cinemas, gyms, sports complexes, swimming pools, entertainment venues, bars and assembly halls remained closed.
• Hotels, lodging houses and resorts remained closed, except workers’ hostels.
• Barber shops, salons, spas and beauty parlours were not permitted.
• Public passenger transport, taxis, auto rickshaws, cycle rickshaws and metro rail services remained restricted.
• Surveillance was required to prevent gatherings of more than five people in public places.

Workplace safety conditions

G.O. Ms. No. 217 required industrial establishments to follow safety measures including masks, physical distancing, thermal screening, regular hand cleaning, employee identity cards, access control and repeated disinfection. District Collectors and Corporation Commissioners were responsible for mandating these requirements.