The Tamil Nadu government on Sunday announced a statewide night curfew and total lockdown on Sundays across the state to curb the recent surge in COVID cases.
Examinations scheduled to happen in the coming weeks too have been postponed.
The night curfew will come into effect from Tuesday. Movement will be restricted from 10 pm to 4 pm.
Earlier, DMK chief Stalin urged the Centre to send 20 lakh more COVID vaccine doses to aid the state's vaccination drive. Stalin also appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to swiftly introduce a 'universal vaccination' program.
During the curfew, all services barring those deemed essential will be shut. Shops, theatres and malls will also be shut.
No public or private transport will ply on the road during the curfew hours. Inter-state travel is also not permitted.
By-roads between Kerala, Tamil Nadu closed
The by-roads between Tamil Nadu and Kerala have been shut with only a main road open at Kaliyakkavilai in the south. This is to facilitate the checking of e-pass and take swab tests at the border before letting anyone in, unless of course, they have a test report that's not older than 72 hours.
However, Kerala Chief Secretary V.P Joy has written to the Tamil Nadu government asking them to avoid closing the by-roads. He citing how it would pose problems for the mobility of people to cross into the Tamil Nadu area and vice-versa as several relatives and friends are living across the border. However, there is no response from Tamil Nadu' side till now, according to sources in Kerala Chief Secretary's office.
The border by-roads which are closed include the roads at Market Road, Panangala Road, Kaduva Kuzhi Road, Vanniyakode Road, Puliyoorsalai Cooperative Road, Manaladi, Ramavarmanchira, Undancode Roads, Kacherinada, Fathimapuram and Punnamookal Roads are closed down by Tamil Nadu police and revenue authorities.
The roads have been blocked by filling in soil making it difficult for the people to cross. Police barricades have also been set up at the borders and the movement is completely curtailed.
