Omicron Variant: States issue Restrictions Amidst Rising Cases

Many states have issued fresh restrictions for Christmas and New Year celebrations amidst rising cases of Omicron variant in the country. The fresh guidelines include lockdown like restrictions on public gatherings. 

Karnataka 

On Tuesday, Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai said that the new year celebrations at public places will take place in a restricted manner. Celebrations will be allowed in restaurants and clubs with only 50 percent seating capacity and a mandatory full vaccination of visitors and the staff. However, no special events, Disk Jockeys (DJ) will be allowed in the celebrations. The restrictions will remain in effect from December 30 till January 2. 

Maharashtra

On Tuesday, the BMC (Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation) issued fresh guidelines in Mumbai which said that in the closed spaces people with up to 50 percent capacity will be allowed whereas 25 percent capacity will be allowed in open spaces. 

The guidelines also emphasized the need to maintain 6 feet social distance and Covid Appropriate Behaviour (CAB) at public gatherings. The guidelines clearly stated that all the violators will be punished under sections of the Indian Penal Code, 1860, and Disaster Management Act, 2005. 

Delhi  

The Delhi Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) has extended the Covid-19 restrictions including a ban on social and cultural gatherings and a cap on bars and restaurants to operate with 50 percent of seating capacity. The new restrictions will be in place till December 31 at midnight.