Editors note: This article was first published on 23 December, 2020. The piece has been replugged in view of Christmas celebrations as states ramp up restrictions amid Omicron threat.
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‘Tis the season to be jolly!
However, in view of the rise in COVID-19 cases and the threat of the Omicron variant of coronavirus, many states have got their guard up and playing party pooper for the Christmas and New Year holidays.
If you are in the mood to party, this will guide you in what’s allowed and what’s not.
Delhi
The Delhi government has banned mass gatherings during Christmas and New Year.
The Delhi Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) has instructed all district magistrates to take all required measures in their respective jurisdictions to control the spread of the virus.
The order issued on 22 December, reads: “All DMs and District DCPs shall ensure that no cultural event/gatherings/congregation/take place for celebrating Christmas or New Year in NCT of Delhi.”
The DDMA has allowed restaurants, bars, and auditoriums to function at 50 percent capacity while putting a ceiling of 200 people in gatherings related to marriage.
The order added that “Since, wearing of mask is the most important weapon in fight against COVID-19, Residents Welfare Associations should be advised not to allow their residents, shopkeepers and customers without mask in their respective areas/public places”.
The DDMA has also officials to conduct surprise checks and take strict penal action against violators as per the law.
Maharashtra
Amid Omicron scare, Maharashtra government imposes fresh COVID-19 restrictions on Friday, prohibiting gathering of more than five persons in public places between 9 pm to 6 am.
The new guidelines, issued ahead of Christmas, will come into force from midnight, an official release said late Friday evening.
The state recorded 1,410 new coronavirus cases and 20 Omicron infections during the day. The daily COVID-19 cases went up by more than 200 compared to Thursday.
Restaurants, gyms, spas, cinemas, theaters will have 50 percent capacity attendance. All of them will have to declare their full potential as well as 50 percent capacity.
In addition, the District Disaster Management Authority may impose restrictions wherever it deems necessary and will require the public to have an idea before doing so.
The District Disaster Management Authority may impose stricter restrictions where necessary, taking into account local conditions. Even so, owning one is still beyond the reach of the average person.
On 21 December, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation, Mumbai’s civic body, introduced fresh guidelines saying that up to 50 percent capacity is allowed in closed spaces and 25 percent capacity are allowed in open spaces.
Also, written permission will be required to hold events for the assembly of more than 200 people. The guidelines clearly stated that all the violators will be punished under sections of the Indian Penal Code, 1860, and Disaster Management Act, 2005.
Karnataka
The Karnataka government too has announced restrictions on public celebrations of New Year in the wake of rising cases of Omicron in the state.
Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai said restrictions would be in place from 30 December to 2 January.
The chief minister said that all public gatherings like revellers on MG Road, Brigade Road to welcome the New Year will be banned across Karnataka. He added that there won’t be any public celebration and special events in any part of the state.
Clubs and restaurants will be allowed to function at 50 percent capacity. However, no permission will be given to DJ events, New Year parties.
The chief minister added that churches will be allowed to hold prayer meets as per COVID-19 rules.
Gujarat
The Gujarat government has imposed a night curfew till 31 December. It has allowed gyms and restaurants to operate with 75 percent capacity.
Tamil Nadu
The MK Stalin-led government on 14 December imposed a ban on New Year celebrations at all beaches in Chennai, saying no entry and gatherings will be allowed there on 31 December 31 and 1 January.
The government also said the ban on social, cultural and political events will continue till December 31.
Restrictions have also not been imposed in states such as Kerala, Assam, Tripura, Odisha and Rajasthan, though people have been asked to avoid large gatherings and ensure Covid-appropriate behaviour.
With inputs from agencies
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