G.O.Ms. No. 541, COVID-19, Extending Restrictions in Tamil Nadu till 31 October 2020
The Government of Tamil Nadu Revenue and Disaster Management Department issued G.O.Ms. No. 541 on 30 September 2020, extending the State-wide COVID-19 lockdown until 24:00 hours on 31 October 2020 while providing specified restrictions and relaxations. It also kept in abeyance the earlier permission for students in Standards 10 to 12 to visit schools voluntarily for teacher guidance.
What the notification governed
The Government of Tamil Nadu Revenue and Disaster Management Department issued G.O.Ms. No. 541 on 30 September 2020 under the Disaster Management Act, 2005. It extended the State-wide COVID-19 lockdown until 24:00 hours on 31 October 2020, continued existing restrictions and introduced further guidelines and relaxations.
The notification applied throughout Tamil Nadu, including areas under the Greater Chennai Police, with stricter controls in containment zones. It affected residents, employers, shops, markets, educational institutions, entertainment venues, transport operators and organisers of gatherings.
Activities that remained restricted
G.O.Ms. No. 541 continued the following restrictions:
- Schools, colleges, research institutions and other educational or coaching institutions remained closed.
- Cinema halls, swimming pools, entertainment parks, theatres, auditoriums, assembly halls, beaches, zoos, museums and tourist places remained closed.
- Suburban train services and most international passenger air travel remained prohibited.
- Religious congregations and social, political, sports, entertainment, academic, cultural and other large gatherings remained prohibited.
- Marriages could have no more than 50 guests, while funerals and last rites could have no more than 20 persons.
- Permission for students in Standards 10 to 12 to visit schools voluntarily for guidance from teachers was kept in abeyance.
Activities permitted from 1 October 2020
Outside containment zones, the notification allowed additional activities subject to applicable Standard Operating Procedures:
- Restaurants and tea shops could operate from 6.00 A.M. to 9.00 P.M., with takeaway food permitted until 10.00 P.M.
- Film shooting could take place with no more than 100 workers at one location and without spectators.
- Government and other government department training institutes could function.
- Weekly shandies in urban and rural areas could operate.
- Up to 100 flights from other States could land daily at Chennai Airport. Existing permissions for specified regional airports continued.
Containment zones and workplace duties
Containment zones remained under lockdown until 31 October 2020. Only essential activities were allowed, with perimeter controls, surveillance, contact tracing and restrictions on movement except for medical emergencies and essential supplies.
Masks, physical distancing and hygiene measures were compulsory for permitted activities. Workplaces were directed to use thermal screening, hand wash or sanitiser, frequent sanitisation, staggered hours and adequate distance between workers. Violations could lead to proceedings under the Disaster Management Act, 2005, the Indian Penal Code and other applicable legal provisions.
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Common questions
Did this notification allow schools to reopen in October 2020?
No. Schools and other educational institutions remained closed. The earlier permission for students in Standards 10 to 12 to visit voluntarily for teacher guidance was kept in abeyance.
Could weekly markets operate under G.O.Ms. No. 541?
Yes. Weekly shandies in urban and rural areas were permitted from 1 October 2020 outside containment zones, subject to Standard Operating Procedures.
What restrictions applied to marriage and funeral gatherings?
Marriage gatherings were limited to 50 guests. Funeral and last rites gatherings were limited to 20 persons.
Were normal activities allowed inside containment zones?
No. Only essential activities were allowed, with strict controls on movement into and out of containment zones except for medical emergencies and maintaining essential supplies and services.
