G.O. (Ms) No.30, COVID-19 Lockdown Continued up to 31.01.2022, 2022

What the notification governs

G.O. (Ms) No.30, dated 12 January 2022, was issued by the Revenue and Disaster Management (DM-IV) Department under the Disaster Management Act, 2005. It extended the statewide COVID-19 lockdown until 31 January 2022 because of the increasing number of positive cases involving the Omicron variant.

The notification applies to the public, shops, commercial establishments, private institutions, industries, religious places, public transport operators and government enforcement authorities across Tamil Nadu. It does not contain provisions concerning land title, registration, patta, planning permission or other property rights.

Temporary restrictions

G.O. (Ms) No.30 introduced the following specific restrictions:

• The public were not allowed in religious places or places of worship from 14 January 2022 to 18 January 2022.
• A complete lockdown applied on Sunday, 16 January 2022.
• Public transport could carry passengers up to 75 per cent of seating capacity to enable Pongal celebrations.
• Other activities that were already allowed or restricted continued under their existing restrictions.

Requirements for businesses and public places

G.O. (Ms) No.30 required shops to provide hand sanitiser and thermal screening at entrances. Management had to ensure that workers and customers wore face masks. Employees and owners of commercial establishments were required to be vaccinated and hold vaccination certificates.

Shops and establishments were directed to avoid air conditioning, keep doors and windows open for cross ventilation, and follow social distancing. Authorities were also directed to monitor industries, commercial establishments and private institutions. Shops or establishments could be closed for continuous violations of COVID-19 management directions.

Containment zones and enforcement

G.O. (Ms) No.30 required containment zones to be identified at the micro level by District Collectors and local bodies. Only essential activities, medical emergencies, and supplies of essential goods and services were allowed within those zones. Intensive house-to-house surveillance was also required.

The Commissioner of the Greater Chennai Corporation, District Collectors, police authorities and local bodies were responsible for enforcement. Violators could face fines and proceedings under Sections 51 to 60 of the Disaster Management Act, 2005, Section 188 of the IPC, and other applicable legal provisions.

Relevance to property owners and buyers

G.O. (Ms) No.30 is a temporary public health notification rather than a land administration measure. Its practical relevance to property owners, buyers and professionals was limited to access restrictions and operating requirements affecting shops, offices, institutions and public places during January 2022.