G.O.(Ms).No.435, COVID-19 Lockdown Extended up to 06.00 A.M. of 12.07.2021

What the document governs

G.O.(Ms).No.435 of the Revenue and Disaster Management (DM-IV) Department governs COVID-19 lockdown restrictions and relaxations throughout Tamil Nadu until 06.00 A.M. on 12.07.2021. Its subject is public health and disaster management, including business operations, transport, gatherings and movement.

The requirements affected residents, customers, workers, businesses, industries, educational institutions, transport operators and public authorities. District Collectors, local bodies, police officers and the Commissioner of the Greater Chennai Corporation were responsible for enforcement.

Activities that remained prohibited

G.O.(Ms).No.435 continued prohibitions on:

• Inter-State public and private bus transport.
• Cinema theatres, multiplexes, bars and swimming pools.
• Social and political gatherings.
• Entertainment, sports and cultural events.
• Schools and colleges, except for the specified research activities.
• Zoological parks.

Marriage gatherings were limited to 50 guests. Funerals and last rites were limited to 20 people.

Main relaxations

G.O.(Ms).No.435 permitted several activities outside containment zones, subject to restrictions:

• Shops previously allowed until 7.00 P.M. could operate until 8.00 P.M.
• Restaurants, hotels and bakeries could offer 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.
• Textile shops, jewellery shops, gymnasiums, yoga centres, recreation clubs, malls and market complexes could operate under stated capacity limits.
• Information technology and information technology enabled services could use 50 percent of their workforce.
• Intra-district and inter-district public transport and Metro Rail could operate with 50 percent seating capacity.
• Religious places could open for public worship under Standard Operating Procedures, but festivals and consecration ceremonies were not permitted.

E-pass or e-registration was not required for inter-district travel. This provision specifically concerned travel.

Safety and enforcement

G.O.(Ms).No.435 required masks, hand hygiene, thermal screening, ventilation, distancing and queue markings at permitted shops. Only essential activities were allowed in containment zones, with exceptions for medical emergencies and essential supplies and services.

Industries had to follow Standard Operating Procedures, disinfect regularly and take immediate action to vaccinate employees. Violations could lead to proceedings under the Disaster Management Act, 2005, action under Section 188 of the IPC, and other applicable legal provisions.