COVID-19, Lockdown Extended in Tamil Nadu up to 31-10-2021 under the Disaster Management Act, 2005

What the notification did

G.O.Ms. No.552, Revenue and Disaster Management (DM-IV), dated 11 September 2021, extended the COVID-19 restrictions in Tamil Nadu up to 31 October 2021. The extension followed a review of vaccination, the possibility of a third wave, and the spread of coronavirus and Nipah Virus in Kerala.

All activities that were already permitted could continue, subject to the existing restrictions.

Who it affected

G.O.Ms. No.552 applied throughout Tamil Nadu and affected members of the public, shops, establishments, workplaces, religious and political groups, schools, colleges, local bodies and enforcement authorities. For property owners and occupiers, its practical relevance was to the use and operation of shops, establishments, workplaces and premises located within Containment Zones.

The Commissioner of Greater Chennai Corporation, District Collectors, Commissioners of Police and Superintendents of Police were directed to enforce COVID-19 management requirements and applicable Standard Operating Procedures.

Key restrictions and requirements

G.O.Ms. No.552 included the following measures:

• Public gatherings connected with religious festivals, consecrations, politics, social or cultural activities, and religion remained prohibited up to 31 October 2021.
• Garlanding statues of leaders required prior permission from the District Collector. Participation was limited to not more than five family members and not more than five office-bearers of recognised political parties, with social distancing and the applicable Standard Operating Procedure.
• Shops had to provide hand sanitiser at entrances and ensure that workers and customers wore face masks.
• Shops and establishments had to keep doors and windows open for cross ventilation, restrict the number of people inside and manage queues using spaced markings.
• Commercial and other organisations violating the guidelines or customer limits could face action.
• The Test-Track-Treat-Vaccination-Covid-19 appropriate behaviour principle had to be followed.

Containment Zones and enforcement

G.O.Ms. No.552 required District Collectors and local bodies to demarcate Containment Zones at the micro level and undertake containment measures, including vaccination. Only essential activities were allowed within those zones, apart from medical emergencies and the supply of essential goods and services. Intensive house-to-house surveillance was also required.

Authorities could impose fines for violations of National Directives. Violators could also face proceedings under the Disaster Management Act, 2005, the Indian Penal Code and other applicable legal provisions.