In the wake of the rising Omicron cases in the country, several cities across India have imposed restrictions to curb the spread of the fast spreading variant of COVID19 virus ahead of the Christmas and New Year celebrations.

India has reported 358 cases of Omicron so far. At 88, Maharashtra has reported maximum cases. It is followed by Delhi with 67 cases, Telangana with 38 cases, Tamil Nadu with 34 cases, and Karnataka with 31 cases.

Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh

Today, on December 24, Uttar Pradesh government has imposed a night curfew in the state from 11 pm to 5 am as precautionary measure amid rising Omicron cases in other parts of the country. The curfew will come into effect from December 25. So far, two cases of Omicron have been reported in the state.

Besides, the Uttar Pradesh government has restricted participation of a maximum of 200 people following appropriate COVID19 protocols in public events such as marriages. The poll-bound state is also witnessing massive rallies organised by political parties including the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party, Opposition parties of Indian National Congress and Samajwadi Party.

Allahabad High Court yesterday urged PM Modi to consider stopping rallies and postponing the elections scheduled in February by one or two months.

Also Read: Consider suspending Uttar Pradesh elections as COVID19 cases rising: Allahabad HC judge to PM Modi

After addressing large crowds in Varanasi, Prime Minister Narendra Modi yesterday held a review meeting on the COVID19 situation in the country. He said there is a need to be satark (vigilant) and saavdhan (cautious) in view of the new variant of Omicron. He also stressed upon the need to ensure that the hospitals have oxygen supply equipment installed and fully functional.

Reviewed the COVID-19 situation across India, particularly in the wake of Omicron. Our focus is on further ramping up health infra, testing, tracing and ensuring full vaccination coverage. https://t.co/mbx44TLKcU

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 23, 2021

Meanwhile, Madhya Pradesh announced a night curfew yesterday, December 23. So far, no Omicron cases have been reported in the state.

Also Read: COVID19’s Omicron variant infects 70 times faster than the Delta: Study

Delhi

The Delhi government has banned Christmas and New Year celebrations in the national capital. In an order dated December 15, the Delhi Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) has stated that all social, political, sports, entertainment, cultural and religious events are prohibited and no gatherings can be held for celebrating Christmas or New Year in the national capital.

The government has also asked restaurants, bars and auditoriums to function with 50 per cent capacity. Weddings have been allowed with a maximum of 200 people capacity.

Also Read: The Indian Medical Association warns of ‘massive’ third wave amid Omicron threat

Maharashtra, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Haryana

The Maharashtra government has imposed Section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) in Mumbai to be effective from December 16 to December 31. All programmes related to Christmas and New Year’s Eve have been canceled by this order.

The gatherings of more than 200 people will now require prior permission from the local assistant municipal commissioners, said the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) in its circular dated December 20. As per the guidelines, churches should operate with 50 per cent seating capacity during Christmas festivities.

The Karnataka government has not completely banned upcoming celebrations, but has allowed the restaurants, clubs and bars to be allowed with 50 per cent of capacity.

Also Read: Omicron variant: Govt releases FAQs after 2 COVID19 cases attributed to the new strain in Karnataka

Meanwhile, people in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, have been banned from celebrating New year at the beaches on December 31 and January 1. The Haryana government on December 22 announced that only fully vaccinated people will be allowed to visit crowded public places such as restaurants, malls, banks and offices in the state from January 1, 2022.

Also Read: Omicron outbreak unprecedented, vaccines alone won’t help in controlling it: WHO