G.O.(Ms) No.753, COVID-19 Lockdown Continued up to 30.11.2021

What the document does

G.O.(Ms) No.753 dated 18 November 2021, issued by the Government of Tamil Nadu, Revenue and Disaster Management [D.M.IV] Department, continued the existing COVID-19 restrictions until 30 November 2021. The extension was based on the prevailing pandemic situation, Government of India directions, and the possibility of diseases such as dengue spreading during floods caused by the North East Monsoon rainfall.

The notification concerns public health, disaster management and commercial activity. It does not contain provisions changing land ownership, registration, planning permission or land use.

Who was affected

The requirements applied across Tamil Nadu to the public, shops, commercial establishments, workplaces and places of public gathering. District Collectors, local bodies, police authorities and the Greater Chennai Corporation were responsible for containment measures and enforcement.

People living in low-lying areas were also asked to follow District Administration directions concerning relief centres and flood safety.

Key requirements

G.O.(Ms) No.753 required the following measures:

• Shops had to provide hand sanitiser with a dispenser and thermal screening at entrances.
• Management had to ensure that workers and customers wore face masks.
• Shops and establishments had to keep doors and windows open for cross ventilation.
• Customer numbers had to be controlled to maintain social distancing.
• Queue markings with sufficient distance could be placed at shop entrances.
• The Test-Track-Treat-Vaccination-Covid-19 appropriate behaviour principle had to be followed.
• District Collectors and local bodies had to identify containment zones at the micro level and initiate containment measures, including vaccination.
• Only essential activities, medical emergencies, and supplies of essential goods and services were permitted within containment zones.
• Surveillance teams had to conduct intensive house-to-house monitoring in containment zones.

People above 18 who had not received their first or second vaccination dose were requested to get vaccinated.

Flood safety and enforcement

G.O.(Ms) No.753 asked residents of low-lying areas to move to relief centres when directed, avoid stagnant water, and avoid bathing in rivers and ponds. The public was also asked to avoid crowded places, wear masks and maintain social distance.

Authorities could impose fines for violations of national COVID-19 directives. Violations could also lead to proceedings under Sections 51 to 60 of the Disaster Management Act, 2005, Section 188 of the IPC, and other applicable legal provisions.