In an attempt to curb the spread of the second wave of Covid-19, the Tamil Nadu government on Saturday evening announced more lockdown like restrictions across the state that will come into effect from 4.00 am on April 26.

An official release from the state government mentioned that cinema theatres, gyms, recreation clubs, all bars, auditoriums, meeting halls, shopping complexes and malls will not be permitted to function from Monday, April 26. Departmental stores will be allowed to operate without air conditioning. Restaurants, tea stalls, and messes will be allowed to sell only take away food and dine-in facilities shall not be permitted.

Other e-commerce services are required to operate during the allowed timings. A maximum of 50 guests will be allowed to attend weddings and a maximum of 25 people shall attend funerals. The night curfew, Sunday lockdown, and other restrictions that were already imposed will continue until ordered otherwise.

"However, grocery and vegetable outlets in commercial malls are disallowed. Departmental stores are allowed without airconditioning, but only 50% of customers should be permitted at a time," the release stated. The restrictions come amid rising cases of Covid-19 in the second wave of the pandemic across the country. Tamil Nadu registered over 13,000 new cases on Friday while Chennai reported 3,800 fresh cases.