Outdoor activities to be permitted from Dec 19 in TN with 50% capacity in open spaces

The Tamil Nadu government has finally permitted outdoor religious and political activities from December 19 after almost a nine-month-long wait due to the Coronavirus pandemic and the subsequent lockdown. However, the order comes with a few specific clauses.

In a statement on Wednesday, TN Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami said that standard procedures will be followed as social, political, sports, educational, cultural and entertainment gatherings will be allowed with a maximum capacity of 50 per cent in open spaces from December 19, 2020.

"People should wear masks in public places compulsorily. Transmission shall be brought under control fully if only people wash hands frequently in residence and workplace, maintain physical distance without fail and avoid stepping out unnecessarily," the chief minister said, adding that "Further permission is required from the Greater Chennai Police commissioner and district collectors, in respect of other districts."

Social, political, entertainment and religious gatherings had already been permitted in the state from December 1 to 31 inside an enclosed space like a hall with a maximum of 50 per cent capacity or a place with a ceiling with a maximum of 200 persons present at one time.

The Chief Minister also ensured that the government has been actively working to prevent further spread of the virus and extend relief to the masses.