Edappadi Palaniswamy announces extension of coronavirus lockdown in Tamil Nadu

The Tamil Nadu chief minister Edappadi Palaniswamy has announced the extension of the coronavirus lockdown till April 30th.  He first announced a fourteen-day lockdown on March 23rd which was extended as a 21-day curfew by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.  The end date was April 14th (tomorrow) but now the obvious decision has been taken.

The statement by the CM suggests that the decision to extend the lockdown has been taken after consultations with the Prime Minister, the World Health Organizations, Medical experts and chief ministers of other states.  The extended lockdown will continue with the same restrictions of essential commodities shops and restaurants allowed to open from morning 6 am to 1 pm in the afternoon.  Additionally, bakeries have been allowed to open at the same timing and like restaurants only parcels will be allowed.  

Ration card holders will get an additional compensation of 1000 rupees plus rice, sugar and other groceries free of cost.  To the migrant laborers from other states who are stranded in Tamil Nadu 15 kgs of rice and other essentials will be given free of cost.  The announcement comes after severe criticisms from opponent parties leaders including Kamal Haasan and Stalin that the government is waiting for the green signal from the PM to extend the lockdown.