Chennai: In a bid to break the chain of Covid-19 transmission, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin on Friday extended the lockdown in the state till June 7.

“As the total lockdown ends on May 31, I have ordered an extension for a week after a district-wise review on the severity of Covid to prevent the spread of the virus and to save precious lives,” he said.

Stalin said that a pack of 13 grocery items would be distributed to rice category ration cardholders through the Public Distribution System (PDS) shops from June.

“I have also ordered the cooperation and consumer protection department to supply a kit of 13 grocery items to all rice cardholders from the month of June in all PDS outlets,” he said.

The Chief Minister said that provision stores and vegetable carts would be allowed to sell essential supplies through vehicles or pushcarts in their respective localities with the local bodies’ permission.

“The provision stores are also allowed to receive orders either online or over the phone and deliver supplies at the customer's residence between 7 a.m. and 6 p.m.,” he added.

Appealing to the people to follow Covid-19 related guidelines, including wearing masks, he urged all to extend full cooperation tothe state government amid the second wave of the pandemic and avoid stepping out of residences during the lockdown period.