In light of the exponential rise of the COVID-19 viral infection as the sequel of the second wave, the Tamil Nadu government has on Monday unveiled a fresh set of restrictions amid the play of the existing one to contain the pandemic. The Chief Secretary's order of restrictions has come three days ahead of the government formed by the newly elected leader. On Monday, Chief Minister Edappadi Palaniswami has resigned from his post after losing the election and MK Stalin will be swearing-in as the new Chief Minister on May 7. 

The fresh set of restrictions has imposed a ban on the shops apart from the functioning of the shops that sell essentials like provisions and vegetables. The restrictions had reminisced the chapter of the complete lockdown that was imposed last year to battle the pandemic. According to reports, the fresh restrictions will come to effect on May 6 and will be in place till May 20, without the assurance that it won't be extended further. 

As per the restrictions, vegetable and provision shops that are located in commercial complexes across the state have to remain closed while the standalone vegetable and provision shops are permitted to function till 12 pm every day with 50 percent of customers. The government has said that the pharmacies and milk shops carry no bans and they can function from morning to evening. Besides these shops, the rest of the shops must be closed till May 20. 

The government has also said that the spas in containment zones in rural areas should remain closed and only 20 persons will be allowed to participate in the funerals. The order has said that all the government and private offices can run with 50% of staff while the seating capacity in metro rail, private buses, and taxis has been restricted to 50%. The order has clarified that the night curfew in the state from 10 pm to 4 am will continue and the activities like health and emergency services, fuel stations, milk distribution, and necessary travels will find no hindrance during the night curfew. 

Restaurants and other forms of eateries can continue offering parcel services in the allowed time and tea stalls can function till 12 pm and they should not entertain customers to have dine-in rather they should offer parcel services. The government has also said that all kinds of social, political, sports, entertainment and educational events will remain banned and the cinema theatres and shopping malls will be closed until further orders. 

By highlighting that the state has a heavy caseload with over 1.20 lakh active COVID-19 cases, the government said that the curbs are unavoidable and added that the restrictions were imposed in line with the directives of the Central government to contain the spread.  On Monday, Tamil Nadu has reported 20,952 fresh cases, the highest single-day rise recorded by the state since the outbreak began. The infection rate and active cases have been surging at a steady pace along with the death toll. 

According to the state health department, Tamil Nadu has reported 20,952 fresh cases, 18,016 discharges, and 122 fresh deaths. Overall, the state has reported 12,28,064 COVID-19 cases so far as of Monday of which 1,23,258 are active, 10,90,338 have been discharged, and 14,468 had succumbed to the viral infection.