On Wednesday, December 29, the Maharashtra government issued guidelines for the upcoming New Year celebrations amid the rising COVID-19 cases and the threat of the Omicron variant. In accordance with the guidelines, citizens over the age of 60 and below 10 have been advised by the government to stay indoors, reports stated.
Based on accounts, events can be conducted with up to 50 per cent of the seating capacity in closed halls, whilst that in open spaces will be able to operate at 25 per cent of the capacity.
Guidelines issued by the Maharashtra government for the New Year Celebrations include:
- Events will be permitted to be conducted with up to 50 per cent of the available seating capacity in closed halls and 25 per cent of the available capacity in open spaces, will people be allowed to attend.
- Care should be undertaken to see that such locations aren't crowded and social distancing norms are followed with the utilization of masks as well as sanitisers.
- Individuals above the age of 60 and those below 10 should refrain from stepping out of their homes as far as possible for safety and health reasons.
- In public places like beaches, gardens and streets, citizens should ensure social distancing with the utilization of masks and sanitisers.
- Crowding at places in Mumbai such as Gateway of India, Marine Lines, Juhu Chowpatty, Girgaon Chowpatty amongst others should be avoided.
- Cultural or religious events should not be conducted at the event of New Year and thus, processions shouldn't be taken out.
- Since the majority of the citizens visit religious places on the first day of the new year, social distancing at such locations should be ensured. Moreover, it should be seen that crowding doesn't occur.
- Rules in regards to noise pollution should be followed and fireworks shouldn't be bursted.
Previously on December 24, the state government had also issued curbs, in light of the rising cases. These included:
- Imposition of a night curfew from 9 pm to 6 am during this, there will be a ban on any assembly of people in groups of more than five in public places.
- The number of attendees should not be more than 100 for other social, political and religious events. While for open spaces, the number of attendees should not increase by over 250 or 25 per cent of the capacity of the space whichever is less.
- Restaurants, gyms, spas, cinemas halls will have to operate at 50 percent capacity attendance. All of them will have to declare their full potential as well as 50 percent capacity.
Also Read: "Will Impose Stricter Curbs Only If...," Says Maharashtra Health Minister Rajesh Tope
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