COVID-19, Lockdown Extended in Tamil Nadu with Existing Guidelines and Certain Relaxations up to 06.00 A.M. of 12.07.2021 under the Disaster Management Act, 2005

Scope and purpose

G.O.Ms. No.435, Revenue and Disaster Management (D.M-IV), dated 3 July 2021, extended the COVID-19 lockdown in Tamil Nadu until 06.00 A.M. on 12 July 2021. The Revenue and Disaster Management Department issued it after reviewing the pandemic situation.

The measure continued to prohibit inter-State public and private buses, most international passenger flights, cinemas, multiplexes, social and political gatherings, entertainment, sports and cultural events, schools and colleges. Marriage gatherings were limited to 50 guests, while funerals and last rites were limited to 20 people.

Who was affected

G.O.Ms. No.435 affected the public, businesses, industries, transport operators, educational institutions, religious places and government bodies across Tamil Nadu during the stated lockdown period. For property buyers and owners, the text does not alter land title, registration, ownership or development rights. Its relevance was to the temporary operation and use of commercial, hospitality, industrial and public premises.

Key relaxations outside containment zones

G.O.Ms. No.435 allowed specified activities outside containment zones with restrictions:

• Shops previously allowed until 7.00 P.M. could remain open until 8.00 P.M.
• Restaurants, hotels and bakeries could provide dine-in service from 6.00 A.M. to 8.00 P.M. at 50 percent seating capacity. Parcel service could continue until 9.00 P.M.
• Tea shops, textile and jewellery shops, gyms, yoga centres, recreation clubs, amusement parks and several other facilities could operate at 50 percent capacity.
• Shopping malls and market complexes could operate from 9.00 A.M. to 8.00 P.M., but cinemas and play areas remained closed.
• Intra-district and inter-district public transport and Metro Rail could operate at 50 percent seating capacity.
• E-pass or E-registration was not required for inter-district travel.
• Religious places could open for public worship under applicable operating procedures, but festivals and consecration ceremonies were not permitted.

Safety and enforcement

G.O.Ms. No.435 required shops to provide hand sanitiser, conduct thermal screening, enforce face masks, maintain ventilation and manage physical distancing. Industries had to follow operating procedures, disinfect regularly and act to vaccinate employees.

Containment zones were subject to stricter controls, including limits to essential activities, medical emergencies and essential supplies. Violations could lead to fines and action under the Disaster Management Act, 2005, the Indian Penal Code and other applicable laws.