The Delhi government today banned all Christmas and New Year gatherings as Omicron cases rise in the national capital. 125 new cases were reported on a day when cultural events were prohibited in Delhi, the highest number in six months.
Officials in Delhi have not yet defined the legal limit for gatherings. There is a ban on all social, political, sport, entertainment, cultural, and religious gatherings. Banquet halls can function only for meetings, conferences, marriages, and exhibitions, and only with riders.
Colleges and schools may operate as long as they strictly follow SOP. Restaurants and bars may open with half the amount of seating. The Covid superspreader zones are being identified in advance of the two big year-end parties. “All district magistrates shall conduct an intensive survey of the entire area falling under their jurisdiction and identify those pockets, colonies markets, and crowded places which have the potential of becoming superspreaders of Coronavirus and its Omicron variant,” An order from the Delhi Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) stated this.
The number of seats in cinemas, theatres, and multiplexes may remain 100%, but auditoriums and assembly halls may accommodate only 50% of the audience. Exhibitions are no longer prohibited. In Delhi Metro, there can be up to 30 standing passengers per coach at 100% capacity. The bus can also use 100% of its seating capacity; standing passengers are allowed up to 50%.
Numerically, weddings and funerals cannot exceed 200 people. It has been directed that Delhi police and district administration officials tighten enforcement mechanisms to ensure people observe social-distancing norms and wear masks. Detailed daily reports will also be required from district administrators. Additionally, trade associations have been directed to refuse entry to customers without masks.
In response to signs of a rise in infections from the new variant, the Centre has issued an advisory urging states to activate “war rooms” and reintroduce curbs, such as night curfews, to contain the disease. In addition, extensive testing and regulations were mentioned as preventative and containment measures.
A total of 213 Omicron Covid cases have been detected in India so far. Delhi has reported 57 Omicron cases so far, the most among all states and union territories.
