Chennai: With coronavirus infection shooting up in Chennai, as well as three districts, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister K. Palaniswami on Monday announced full lockdown in these areas from June 19 to 30. In a statement, Palaniswami said full lockdown will be implemented in the southern metropolis, as well as Kancheepuram, Tiruvallur and Chengalpattu subject to some relaxations to essential/emergency services.

On the exemptions, he said that while hospitals, diagnostic labs, pharmacies, ambulance and hearse vans are allowed to function, plying of taxis, autorickshaws, private vehicles will be banned except for medical emergencies. Central and state government offices will function with 33 percent staff strength. However, staffers living in containment zone are exempted from attendance.

Banks can function with 33 percent staff only on June 29 and 30 but ATMs and cash refilling vans will function as usual.

Vegetable, grocery, petrol outlets will function between 6 a.m. and 2 p.m., while mobile vegetable, fruits shops will be allowed between 8 a.m. and 2 p.m.

Hotels and restaurants are allowed only parcel sales between 6 a.m. and 8 p.m. Online players are allowed to accept orders and make doorstep deliveries.

Media and judiciary are allowed to function (IANS)