Life near normal in dists as restrictions withdrawn

In Coimbatore, buses were operated from Pollachi, Mettupalayam, Karumathampatty, Sulur and other outskirt areas to bring staff of government departments. Buses operated from these areas also stopped midway for government staff to board by showing ID cards. They reached the collector office by 10am. Similarly, buses were operated after work hours to help them reach home. Each of the bus had just 20 passengers to maintain social distancing.

“As it was first day, the number of staff who travelled in buses was less since many came by their own vehicles. The staff have been asked to inform their commuting area in order to increase the number of buses in the coming days,” said an official. Also these special buses were operated only till collector office. So those working in other government departments used their own vehicles to come. Similar measures were taken in other districts too to bring staff to duty.

While the State government has relaxed the lockdown norms with certain limitation, Tiruchy district appeared as though normalcy has returned but the collectorate witnessed a series of protests on Monday. Tiruchy district, particularly the city, appeared normal and all roads witnessed a heavy traffic though public transport was off the roads. As shops and offices resumed usual activities most places were busy in the morning like a usual working day.

Meanwhile, members of hair dressers and auto drivers associations staged a protest in the Collectorate demanding compensation as they had lost their earning for 50 days. They demanded a cash relief to compensate the loss of income