Lockdown extended in TN till May 31; Transport curbs eased in 25 districts

(Eds: Recasts headline, first para) Chennai, May 17 () The COVID-19 lockdown was on Sundayextended till May 31 in Tamil Nadu by Chief Minister KPalaniswami who announced new relaxations such as resumptionof intra-district transportation in 25 districts after ahiatus of nearly two months. In 12 other districts, including Chennai, there will be nochange in the curbs and they will continue as existed duringthe third phase of lockdown, set to end on Sunday, he added. Citing consultations with top officials, public health andmedical experts, he said the lockdown is extended till May 31and the curbs including bar on functioning of educationalinstitutions, public entry into religious places andrelaxations already in force will continue throughout thestate.

Palaniswami announced new relaxation in curbs for 25districts, including Coimbatore, Salem, Erode, Tirupur,Namakkal and Karur, where people could avail government andprivate buses for commute within the district and they do notneed "TN e-pass," (permission for travel), he said.

Effective March 24 evening, public transport ceased tooperate in the state as part of lockdown measures. VGNVS VS