With Omicron cases increasing in India ahead of the festive season, several state governments have strengthened their measures and Covid-19 protocols to prevent another breakout of the virus. In keeping with the Centre's directions to states regarding increased vigilance, some states have implemented night curfews to curb the spread of Covid-19. Others have banned gatherings and Christmas, New Year celebrations.
Here are 5 states that have put night curfews in place:
Night curfew in UP
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Friday issued orders to initiate strict measures, including a statewide night curfew from December 25. The curfew will come in effect from 11 pm to 5 am.
The state has also issued regulations for events like marriages, putting a 200-person cap on guest lists. Any such events are to follow strict Covid-19 protocols and organisers have been asked to inform local authorities about such events.
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Masks have been made mandatory for everyone on the streets or in the markets. All traders have been asked to follow the "no mask, no goods" policy at their establishments. Police have also been alerted to carry out continuous patrols to ensure the guidelines are followed.
The state has reported 31 new Covid-19 cases on Thursday and has two Omicron cases so far.
Rules for outsiders entering UP
Extra vigilance has been ordered on buses, railway station, airports and other points of communication. Officials have asked to ensure that people arriving in Uttar Pradesh from other states or abroad are traced and tested for coronavirus.
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The government has asked authorities to keep a close watch on the health of those coming from outside the state after testing them
Curfew in Madhya Pradesh
The MP government imposed a night curfew from 11 pm to 5 am on Thursday as part of its tightened Covid-19 protocols. Although no Omicron cases have so far been reported in MP, the state recorded 30 new Covid-19 cases on Thursday.
According to Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, the weekly cases in Indore and Bhopal have increased by three times in December as compared to November.
Gujarat imposes night curfew
The Bhupendra Patel government in Gujarat has implemented a night curfew as well amid rising cases of Omicron. The decision came after the Chief Minister held a high level meeting to review the Covid-19 situation ij tje state. The curfew has been imposed in eight cities of thr state. Gujarat currently has 23 cases of Omicron and 637 Covid-19 cases. A majority of these casee are clustered in Ahmedabad and Vadodara. In keeping with Covid-19 protocols, examinations im state-run schools hsve also been postponed for senior secondary classes.
Passengers arriving from "ar risk" nations are expected to undergo RT-PCR tests upon arrival. Authorities are also conducting random tests on 2 per cent of international travellers to maintain strict vigilance.
Maharashtra introduces restrictions
The state government announced on Friday that gatherings of five or more will not be allowed in Maharashtra between 9 pm and 6 am, as coronavirus cases recorded their highest rise in nearly two months amid the spread of the highly infectious Omicron variant.
According to the revised guidelines, which will come into effect from midnight, attendance at indoor weddings are restricted to 100 people and not more than 250 people or 25 per cent whichever is less in outdoor weddings.
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The guidelines also indicate that indoor venues like gyms, spas, hotels, theatres and cinema halls will be allowed to run at 50 per cent capacity while sports events will be allowed to have 25 per cent occupancy.
Night curfew in Haryana
Haryana has also imposed night curfew from 11 pm at 5 am starting January 1. Only people with vaccination certificates are to be allowed inside public places like malls, movie theatres or restaurants. A cap of 200 people has also been put on public gatherings.
No Christmas in Delhi
Even though no curfew has yet been announced in the national capital, the Delhi Disaster Management Authority on Wednesday directed district magistrates to ensure no Christmas and New Year gathering takes place in view of the rising Omicron cases.
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The DDMA order permits bars and restaurants to operate with up to 50 per cent of seating capacity. However, the order has raised questions among restaurant owners as it does not specify whether they can host Christmas and New Year parties.
Delhi has recorded 180 fresh Covid-19 cases on Thursday which took Delhi's overall Covid-19 tally to 14,42,813. The national capital so far has reported 64 Omicron cases.
(With inputs from PTI)
