G.O. Ms. No. 447, COVID-19 Restrictions and Relaxations, 2020

What the notification governed

G.O. Ms. No. 447 of the Government of Tamil Nadu Revenue and Disaster Management Department governed COVID-19 restrictions across Tamil Nadu during September 2020. It extended the statewide lockdown until 24:00 hours on 30th September 2020, while introducing additional relaxations outside containment zones.

The notification affected residents, travellers, businesses, offices, religious institutions, educational institutions, transport operators and organisers of gatherings. It did not contain provisions changing land ownership, registration, planning permission or property rights.

Main restrictions

The following activities remained prohibited until further orders during the stated lockdown period:

• Schools, colleges, research institutions, coaching institutions and similar establishments remained closed, although online and distance learning were permitted.
• Cinemas, theatres, swimming pools, entertainment parks, auditoriums, beaches, zoos, museums and tourist places remained closed.
• International passenger air travel remained prohibited except for purposes permitted by the Government of India Ministry of Home Affairs.
• Religious, social, political, sports, entertainment, academic and cultural gatherings remained prohibited.
• Marriage gatherings were limited to 50 guests, while funerals and last rites were limited to 20 persons.

Activities permitted outside containment zones

G.O. Ms. No. 447 allowed several activities subject to applicable Standard Operating Procedures:

• Travel between districts within Tamil Nadu was permitted without an e-pass.
• Persons entering Tamil Nadu from foreign countries or other states still required an automatically generated online e-pass.
• Public worship was permitted until 8.00 P.M., subject to limits and government procedures.
• District bus services and Greater Chennai metropolitan bus services could operate from 1st September 2020.
• Greater Chennai Metro Rail services could operate from 7th September 2020.
• Shops could remain open until 8.00 P.M. Restaurants and tea shops could operate from 6.00 A.M. to 8.00 P.M., with takeaway service until 9.00 P.M.
• Industries, private offices, export units, information technology establishments, government offices and banks could operate with full staff strength.
• Tourists travelling to the Nilgiris, Kodaikanal, Yercaud and other hill stations required permission from the respective District Collector.

Containment and safety measures

Lockdown continued in containment zones until 30th September 2020, with only essential activities allowed. Face coverings were compulsory in public places, workplaces and transport, and individuals had to maintain six feet of distance in public places. Violations could lead to action under the Disaster Management Act, 2005, the Indian Penal Code and other applicable legal provisions.