The Tamil Nadu state government has started the process to make COVID-19 vaccination mandatory for people to visit public places.

Through a circular issued on Thursday, the Directorate of Public Health has invoked provisions under the Tamil Nadu Public Health Act, 1939, to ensure that public places, like markets, theatres, other places of entertainment or assembly, schools, colleges, playgrounds, hotels, boarding houses, rest houses, clubs, factories and shops, are occupied only by people who are vaccinated against COVID-19.

The move of the government is aimed at reducing the possibility of a COVID positive person from spreading it to other people.

Reportedly, 74% of the people have received their first dose and 37% have completed the second dose in the state.

Health care experts state that the circular is not a binding order and is just aimed at encouraging health officials to increase the vaccination numbers.