New Delhi: Amid fears of Omikron, states have tightened restrictions ahead of Christmas and New Year celebrations. The central government had yesterday directed the states to strengthen the precautionary measures against the fact that the prevalence of omicron is three times higher than that of the Kovid delta variant. This was followed by Delhi, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Haryana, Gujarat and Punjab.
Delhi
The highest number of Omikron cases reported in the country so far was in Delhi (57). In this situation, strict restrictions were imposed in Delhi. The Delhi Disaster Management Authority (DMA) has imposed a complete ban on Christmas and New Year celebrations.
All socio-cultural interactions are prohibited. Hotels and pubs have access to up to 50 percent of the population. There are also restrictions on public meetings, weddings and conferences.
Maharashtra
In Maharashtra, Omikron has so far confirmed 54 cases. The ban has been announced in the state from December 16 to 31 as part of preventive measures. Only those who have received the two-dose vaccine have access to shops and public transportation. The Maharashtra government has said in an affidavit filed in the Bombay High Court that it is dangerous for non-vaccinated people to travel in public transport with others.
Special permission must be obtained from the ward officers for events of more than 200 people. The seating capacity has been fixed at 50 per cent for indoor halls.
Karnataka
The Karnataka government has banned all public events. This includes events on MG Road and Brigade Road in Bangalore as part of the New Year celebrations. Chief Minister Basavaraj Bomme has said that no public functions or celebrations should be held anywhere in the state.
Hotels and clubs have 50 per cent access. But no special New Year’s party or DJ event is allowed. All employees at such centers must have received two doses of the vaccine and are RTPCR negative certified.
Gujarat
In Gujarat, Omikron has so far confirmed 11 cases. The state night curfew has been extended to December 31 as part of preventive measures. The curfew is from 1pm to 5am. Only 75% of people are allowed in hotels and gymnasiums.
Haryana
The Haryana government has decided to ban entry to public places for those who do not accept both Dod vaccines. Haryana Health Minister Anil Vij has said that those who fail to complete the two-dose vaccination will be barred from entering wedding halls, hotels, banks, government offices and buses.
Punjab
The Punjab government has decided not to pay salaries to government employees who have not yet received the Kovid vaccine. The Punjab government’s move is part of a drive to further promote vaccination in the wake of the Omicron outbreak. Salary will be paid only to those who have uploaded the vaccination certificate on the government website.
A crucial meeting will be convened on Thursday under the chairmanship of the Prime Minister to discuss measures including raising fears of Omicron and preventing the spread of the disease. Currently, there are 223 confirmed Omikrons in the country. The center is proposing to impose a 10 per cent increase in weekly cases or 40 per cent of patients in ICU beds.
content highlights: As Omicron raises alarm, states impose curbs ahead of festive week
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