Chennai: The ongoing lockdown to prevent the spread of Covid-19 which is to end 14 June is likely to be extended for one more week however with some more relaxations. Chief Minister M K Stalin held a high-level meeting in ths regard with top officials at the Secretariat here today where it was recommended to extend the lockdown to further bring down coronavirus infection. Following this an announcement is expected to be made in a day or two. “As Covid cases are steadily coming down more relaxations are expected in Chennai northern and southern districts” sources said and added that curbs are likely to continue in the western belt. The lockdown which was implemented on 10 May was being extended by every week to prevent the spread of the pandemic. In a statement Stalin had said the decision to extend the lockdown was taken based on the discussions he had with health and medical experts after reviewing the situation district-wise to prevent spread of the virus and save the precious lives of the people. Last week while announcing extension of lockdown he said that while Chennai northern and southern districts where the cases have come down will have more relaxations 11 districts–Coimbatore The Nilgiris Tiruppur Erode Salem Karur Namakkal Thanjavur Tiruvarur Nagapattinam and Mayiladuthurai–will have minimal relaxations in view of the higher caseload. However public and private transport services shopping complexes malls tourist places theatres salons and spas will continue to remain shut across the State. As part of relaxations Stalin said standalone provision and grocery shops fish and meat stalls besides pavement shops selling vegetables fruits and flowers will be allowed to function from 6 am to 5 pm. He also announced that wholesale fish markets and slaughter houses will be permitted with a direction to the district administration to make arrangements for opening these in more than one place to ensure physical distancing norms were followed strictly.

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