The coronavirus related lockdown that came into force on March 21st after two more extensions comes to an end today May 17th. The Tamil Nadu government has extended the restricted functioning of the state for a further of two weeks till May 31st. Popularly now known as Lockdown 4.0 the remaining of the month however has relaxations in 25 districts while 12 districts including Chennai will continue in the same vein as the past two weeks.

In the twenty-five districts including Coimbatore, Erode, Salem and Tirupur vehicular movements have been allowed including government buses that will carry only twenty people, Innova cars three people and small cars two people. No need for e passes to move between these districts. Taxis can ply for medical purposes.

Government and private sectors in the areas where the lockdown is relaxed can function a thirty three percent staffs adhering to strict social distancing and hygiene. Tourism has been restricted in Nilgiris, Kodaikanal and Yercaud. Schools and colleges will continue to remain closed and no permission has been given for religious place to resume.

The chief minister Edappadi Pazhaniswamy has requested the people to continue being vigilant against COVID 19 and practice social distancing, wear masks and wash hands regularly. He has assured that further relaxations will come once the spread of the virus begins to slow down considerably.