Chennai: Tamilnadu, especially Chennai, is almost back to pre-Covid days from this morning. After five months, MTC buses were seen on city roads, all temples and other places of worship allowed devotees and parks welcomed morning walkers.

But, social distancing and other precautionary measures such as wearing of masks were observed at all places. Bus staff allowed only 50 per cent occupancy of seats, while strict social distancing measures were in place in temples and other places.

These relaxations are part of the measures announced by Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami on Sunday evening. Tamilnadu government announced extension of lockdown till 30 September, while announcing several relaxations, that included cancellation of e-pass system, opening of all temples and places of worship, operation of public transport and Chennai Metro Train services from 1 September.

Palaniswami said the decision to extend the lockdown and several new relaxations was taken based on the feed back received at the meeting of all district collectors and with the public health experts and expert medical panel.

While announcing cancellation of total lockdown on Sundays, Palaniswami, however, said the restrictions that were in force in containment zones would continue.