CHENNAI

Tamil Nadu is gradually unlocking and people are flouting Covid-19 protocols. The government has announced lockdown relaxations and permitted a uniform regulation of crowding across the state. Restaurants, gyms, yoga studios and IT companies have opened with 50 per cent capacity, while intra-district and inter-district public transport has also been allowed with 50 per cent seating capacity.

And a large number of people have again started venturing out. In many places, people were seen not wearing face masks and social distancing rules have gone for a toss.

The Greater Chennai Corporation imposed a fine of Rs 3.18 crore on 5,907 companies and 29,096 individuals for non-compliance of Covid-19 protocols from April 9 to July 6.

The corporation said that 1,426 halls and hotels registered for various functions, including weddings, were inspected, and 31 places were found to be violating rules. Fines of Rs 1,29,000 have been slapped on them as well.

Tamil Nadu, which saw an alarming rise in Covid-19 cases in May, witnessed a peak in the last week of the month. The state is still recovering from the second wave. On July 7, 3,367 cases were reported with 25,06,848 cases logged till date in the state. A total of 33,196 deaths have been registered so far.

State Health Secretary Dr J Radhakrishnan requested people to be careful to check the virus spread.