novel coronavirus cases in the state, Tamil Nadu government announced the ongoing "intense lockdown" in Chennai and other neighbouring areas will ease from Monday, 6 July, until further orders.However, lockdown curbs for Madurai and nearby regions are extended till 12 July, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister K Palaniswami added.Chennai has been under tightened restrictions from 19 June till Sunday in order to contain the virus spread and the capital city will now see certain businesses gradually opening.Vegetable and grocery shops, which were closed during the complete lockdown period, will be allowed to open from 6 am to 6 pm while textile and hardware shops can open from 10 am to 6 pm in Chennai and suburban areas under the jurisdiction of Greater.