COVID restrictions back in these states over omicron threat ahead of New Year

The omicron variant of the coronavirus is leading fresh waves of COVID-19 cases in the US, UK and other countries, becoming the dominant variant in several nations. While studies have shown the strain induces milder symptoms of the infection, the sheer number of cases in a wave can still overwhelm hospitals.  

India has started taking precautions over a potential fresh wave, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi chairing a high-level meeting on Thursday to take stock of the situation. Overall, India has reported 358 cases of the omicron variant in 17 states, with Maharashtra (88) reporting the highest number of them. 

Also Read: Australia’s New South Wales revives mask mandate amid new COVID wave

Due to the rise in COVID-19 cases, several states have imposed restrictions ahead of Christmas and the New Year.

Maharashtra

Maharashtra announced on Friday that no more than five persons in public places would be allowed between 9 pm and 6 am. Only 100 people are allowed in indoor weddings and not more than 250 in outdoor weddings. Gyms, spas, hotels, theatres and cinema halls will operate at 50 per cent capacity.

Uttar Pradesh

Uttar Pradesh government Friday announced night curfew from December 25. The curfew will be effective from 11 pm to 5 am in light of the rise in coronavirus cases. A maximum of 200 people will now be allowed at weddings and other events.

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Madhya Pradesh

Madhya Pradesh government, on Thursday, imposed a night curfew in the state from 11 pm to 5 am as a precautionary
measure amid growing concern over the new coronavirus variant omicron. The
state government advised people to strictly follow COVID-19 protocols. The
curfew comes into force from Thursday night.

Also Read: India records 6,650 new COVID-19 cases, omicron tally at 358

No cases of omicron have been detected in
Madhya Pradesh so far. “In view of the rapid spread of the Omicron virus in the
world, it is the right time for all to remain alert on the issue. The Centre
has also issued guidelines to follow social distancing, use face masks and
avoid crowded places. We have also decided to impose a night curfew from
tonight (Thursday) in the entire state from 11 pm to 5 am and will take some
more measures if required to deal with the situation,” Chief Minister Shivraj
Singh Chouhan said.

Also Read: Visit to grandmother’s house for holidays down the drain, thanks to omicron

Karnataka

In Karnataka, the state government has
announced restrictions ahead of the celebration of Christmas and the New Year
in the wake of rising cases of omicron in the state. Chief Minister Basavaraj
Bommai has announced that restrictions would be in place from December 30 to
January 2.

Also Read: PM Modi holds COVID review meeting amid concerns over omicron variant

“Mass gatherings at any place across the
state for New Year celebrations have been banned,” Bommai said. “Seating
capacity at pubs and restaurants has been restricted to 50 percent with no
special events. The staff at pubs and restaurants should be fully vaccinated.”

Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu reported 30 omicron positive
cases, including international travellers, on Thursday, taking the total tally
to 34 in a single day. Of the 33, all except two patients were fully
vaccinated, the state government said.

Also Read: Delhi ready for 1 lakh COVID cases a day: CM Kejriwal amid omicron surge

All omicron positives have been isolated
and are being monitored in multiple hospitals in Tamil Nadu, state health
minister Ma Subramanian said, announcing results of genome sequencing of
samples taken by Covid-19 patients.

“These latest results of 33 passengers came
on Wednesday night. Results of 23 samples are awaited. Of all these passengers,
everyone except two children were vaccinated,” Subramanian said.

Also Read: Centre asks states to ramp up vaccination efforts ahead of 2022 elections

Gujarat

The Gujarat government also announced a night curfew starting on Christmas Day in major cities. Night curfew will be effective from 11 pm to 5 am daily in Ahmedabad, Vadodara, Surat, Rajkot, Bhavnagar, Jamnagar, Gandhinagar and Junagadh from December 25.

Meanwhile, in the wake of the recent
upsurge in cases, the UT Administration has decided to conduct a Rapid Antigen
Test of all passengers travelling to J&K by road. The test will be
conducted at Lakhanpur, the entry point to J&K from Punjab, and at least 33
per cent of incoming travellers will have to undergo the RTPCR test, according
to an order issued on Thursday by Kathua Deputy Commissioner Rahul Yadav.