Ahead of Christmas and New Year celebrations, Indian states and Union Territories have imposed restrictions to contain the spread of the Omicron virus. Till now, India has reported around 223 Omicron cases. Delhi has reported the maximum number of Omicron cases so far among all the states and UTs in India. Taking the scenario into account, the Centre has urged states to issue curbs and take up containment decisions if there is a 10% rise in weekly cases or if 40% of ICU beds get occupied.
Here are the restrictions issued ahead of the winter festive season in various states and UTs:
1. Goa
Amid rising cases in Goa, Goa’s Chief Minister Pramod Sawant announced that NYE parties and events will only be allowed if the guests are fully vaccinated or are carrying COVID-19 negative certificates. The NYE event organisers will have to ensure guests carry these certificates to enter parties, cabanas and restaurants.
With no decision on night curfew in Goa, tourists reach the state for New Year celebrations. “Since there’s a curfew in Delhi, I’ll be celebrating New Year here,” a tourist said
Goa Govt has made Covid-19 negative certificate/double vaccination certificate mandatory for 31st Dec pic.twitter.com/5LJn1niYQ1
— ANI (@ANI) December 29, 2021
2. Delhi
Around 57 cases of the COVID-19 Omicron variant have been reported in the capital. Thus, all social and cultural gatherings in Delhi will remain prohibited for Christmas and New Year. The restrictions have been extended till December 31. Restaurants and pubs can operate with 50% capacity.
In Maharashtra, around 57 Omicron cases have been reported so far. Indoor areas can allow seating with only 50% capacity. Outdoor areas can permit seating with 25% capacity. Use of public transport and entry to shops are permitted only for fully vaccinated people. Special permission will be needed from ward officers in commercial premises for a gathering of over 200 people. Maharashtra has issued prohibitions under Section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) till December 31. Maharashtra Imposes Section 144 Ahead Of Christmas & New Year
4. Karnataka
Around 19 cases of Omicron have been reported in Karnataka so far. Thus all public gatherings have been prohibited in the state for Christmas and New Year. No gatherings will be allowed in Bangalore’s MG Road and Brigade road. DJs and New Year parties will remain prohibited. Restaurants and clubs can operate with 50% capacity. Full vaccination with a negative RT-PCR test is mandatory for all staff members. Food Trucks In Bangalore Reduced From 48 In 2020 To Just 10 Due To Covid-19 Pandemic
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5. Gujarat
Gujarat has received around 11 Omicron cases till now. Night curfew between 1 AM and 5 AM has been imposed in the state till December 31. Restaurants and gyms are permitted to operate with 75% capacity. Cinema halls have been allowed to function will full capacity.
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Rajasthan has reported around 18 cases of Omicron so far. Telangana has received nearly 24 cases of the virus. But these states haven’t announced many curbs yet in view of the festive week in December. A night curfew is in place in West Bengal from 11 PM to 5 AM till January 15, however, relaxations will be given on Christmas and New Year’s Day. Section 144 will be in place in Uttar Pradesh till December 31.