Long queues outside Chennai, Coimbatore grocery stores ahead of curfew

In order to enable people to buy their needs in those cities Chief Minister K Palaniswami ordered essential shops to be open till 3 p.m. on Saturday.

During lockdown essential shops were allowed to function between 6 a.m. to 1 p.m.

With the risk of coronavirus spreading further in densely populated cities, Palaniswami on Friday ordered total lockdown in Chennai, Coimbatore, Tiruppur, Salem and Madurai.

Long queue was seen outside the Amudham Stores and other grocery shops in Chennai and in other four cities.

There was increase demand for milk packets at Aavin outlets. The buyers were asked to come in the afternoon when the supplies would arrive.

Similarly vegetable shops too saw long queues though the government had said mobile shops will be allowed to sell veggies.

The total lockdown decision in five cities was taken after Palaniswami chaired a review meeting on the coronavirus spread in the state on Friday.

Palaniswami said in Chennai, Coimbatore and Madurai the lockdown will be implemented strictly between 6 a.m. and 9 p.m. from April 26-29.

He said in the case of Tiruppur and Salem the lockdown will be between 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. from April 26-28.