G.O.(Ms).No.491, COVID-19 Lockdown Extension, 2021
The Tamil Nadu Revenue and Disaster Management (DM-IV) Department issued Government Order G.O.(Ms).No.491 on 31 July 2021 under the Disaster Management Act, 2005. It extended the statewide COVID-19 lockdown from 31 July 2021 until 6.00 A.M. on 9 August 2021, retaining existing guidelines and permitted activities without additional relaxations.
What the notification does
Government Order G.O.(Ms).No.491, issued by the Tamil Nadu Revenue and Disaster Management (DM-IV) Department on 31 July 2021, extended the COVID-19 lockdown across Tamil Nadu until 6.00 A.M. on 9 August 2021. The extension continued existing guidelines, relaxations and permitted activities, without providing additional relaxations.
The notification was issued after reviewing the pandemic situation. It directed authorities to enforce the restrictions strictly and asked the public to avoid unnecessary travel and gatherings in public places.
Who it affects
Government Order G.O.(Ms).No.491 applies across the territorial jurisdiction of Tamil Nadu. It affects members of the public, shops, commercial establishments, industries, local bodies, district administrations and police authorities.
The notification does not contain provisions concerning land ownership, registration, classification or development. Its stated purpose is COVID-19 lockdown management and public health enforcement.
Requirements for shops and establishments
Government Order G.O.(Ms).No.491 requires permitted shops and establishments to follow specified safety measures:
- Provide hand sanitiser at the entrance and conduct thermal screening.
- Ensure workers and customers wear face masks.
- Keep doors and windows open where air conditioning is used, to provide adequate ventilation.
- Limit the number of people inside to maintain social distancing.
- Mark adequately spaced positions at entrances for customers waiting in queues.
- Follow the prescribed customer limits and other applicable operating procedures.
Commercial and other organisations that violate these requirements may face action.
Containment zones and enforcement
Government Order G.O.(Ms).No.491 directs District Collectors and local bodies to identify containment zones at the micro level. Within such zones, the notification allows only essential activities and permits movement for medical emergencies and the supply of essential goods and services. It also requires intensive house-to-house surveillance and separately states that no activities shall be permitted in containment zones.
District Collectors, Corporation Commissioners and police officers may close areas where overcrowding continues. Industries permitted to operate must follow operating procedures, disinfect regularly and take immediate steps to vaccinate employees.
Violations may lead to fines, penal action, proceedings under Sections 51 to 60 of the Disaster Management Act, 2005, action under Section 188 of the Indian Penal Code, and action under other applicable legal provisions.
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Common questions
Does G.O.(Ms).No.491 change any land ownership or registration rules?
No land ownership, registration, classification or development rules are included. The document concerns the extension and enforcement of the COVID-19 lockdown across Tamil Nadu.
How long was the lockdown extended?
The lockdown was extended from 31 July 2021 until 6.00 A.M. on 9 August 2021.
Could authorities close an area because of repeated overcrowding?
Yes. District Collectors, Corporation Commissioners and police officers were authorised to decide to close areas where overcrowding continued.
What could happen if a person or business violated the restrictions?
Violations could result in fines, penal action and proceedings under the Disaster Management Act, 2005, the Indian Penal Code and other applicable legal provisions.
