The Tamil Nadu government has announced a two week “total lockdown” from May 10 amid a surge in COVID-19 cases. The order was issued a day after the state recorded its biggest day spike of over 26,000 new Covid infections.Chief Minister MK Stalin, in a statement, said that the lockdown was being enforced due to “unavoidable reasons”. The decision, Mr Stalin added, was taken based on inputs received at a review meeting he had with district collectors on Friday, besides consultations with medical experts.”The total lockdown will be enforced from 4 am on May 10 to 4 am on May 24,” he said.Other services and tasks allowed to continue during the lockdown are banks (with 50 per cent staff) and ration shops. Restaurants will only be allowed takeaways.No cabs or autorickshaws can ply on road except for hospital or wedding/funeral work, the order said.The lockdown announcement is the first major decision taken by Mr Stalin, who took oath yesterday.
