Pondy govt not to relax lockdown restrictions, says CM
Talking to mediapersons here, he said "we have taken abold decision to ensure that the lockdown norms areimplemented in letter and spirit and it has been extended tillMay 3."
Narayanasamy said with neighbouring districts ofVillupuram and Cuddalore in Tamil Nadu being classified as'red zones' because several COVID-19 cases have been reported,the administration could not remain slack.
"We have sealed the border points to prevent intrusionof people from adjoining districts into Puducherry," he saidadding there were fears that if there is no strict preventionof entry of people from red zones "Puducherry's record ofhaving very little number of COVID 19 cases would be damaged."
He said industrial units would not be allowed toresume work without ascertaining whether they adopted thelockdown guidelines stipulated by the government.
"We will very strictly adhere to the norms and makesure that there is no violation by industries in adhering tothe norms. They should not bring workers from outsidePuducherry," he added.
So far no industry has been permitted to resumeoperations, the chief minister said.
"We are suffering big fall in revenue because of thelockdown. But protecting the lives of the people is of utmostimportance and mopping up revenue is only secondary for thegovernment," Narayanasamy said.
Earlier, District Collector T Arun told reportersthat the teritorrial government was following the guidelinesof the Central government in implementing the lockdown here.
"If there is no discipline on the part of the peoplein adhering to the norms we will come out with very stringentmeasures," he added. Cor SS