Omicron is spreading rapidly in many countries including India, the situation is still under control right now but this weekend may spoil things for people. Christmas and New Year is coming near and people are planning for holidays and going for parties. However this may be the rise of third wave in the nation as omicron is said to be several times more transmissible from previous delta variant of corona virus. It is more likely that people with omicron variant starting to infect people can spread widely and take the country to another lockdown and terrible situation. Therefore to avoid risk of transmission, government has put some restrictions and put out some guidelines.
Parties And Gatherings Banned in Delhi
Delhi government has put a restriction on social gathering and parties over the Christmas Eve followed by New Year celebration. People who have embraced themselves for loud events and programmes need to control themselves over this period as omicron is spreading. Apart from omicron, DDMA has said that corona virus cases have also increased persistently so the government is abided to take such steps. Seeing such gatherings in markets and malls, it is evident that people are not going to stop until proper restrictions are put on them.
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10 COVID-19 Guidelines for Christmas and New Year
1. All social gatherings including, sports, cultural, religious, entertainment, and festival events have been banned in the coming week. Also the banquet halls will be under strict invigilation so that people getting married do not overrule the guidelines.
2. Potential COVID-19 super spread areas such as markets and places of gatherings have been identified and will be under strict regulation from the authorities that there is not too many people at a place on the same time. District magistrates have been told for jurisdiction of colony markets, crowded places, and pockets from becoming Omicron COVID-19 super spreader.
3. Schools and colleges can only operate if they abide with the latest COVID-19 norms and comply with the SOP. It is however advised that they remain closed at it would create more mess and crowd in a particular place.
4. Restaurants and eatery joints have been advised to open with only 50% capacity. Bars would also remain open with half capacity if they are present individually. They also must comply with guidelines mentioned by DDMA in SOP.
5. Cinemas and theatres can still remain open in the coming week, there has not yet been anything said about them. So according to previous guidelines, they can operate at 100 percent capacity but COVID appropriate behaviour must be followed. However assembly halls have only be allowed 50% of total seating capacity.
6. Delhi metro will still function with 100% capacity but the people standing should be limited to 30 per coach. Buses can also operate with full capacity but standing people should be half of seating passengers in the bus.
7. Weddings and funerals have been strictly advised not to have more than 200 people all together, for funerals, it is comparatively less.
8. Administration department of Delhi and Delhi Police have been told to enhance the enforcement to ensure that people follow social distancing and COVID-19 appropriate norms in the public places. They also need to submit daily reports from their following jurisdiction areas.
Also Read- WHO Omicron Update: Vaccines May Not Be Effective, Warns Nations Not To Take It Lightly
9. In the increase in spread of Omicron and COVID-19 infection throughout the state, ‘war rooms’ have been advised to be ready and activated. Prevention and containment measures have also been started to be ready and for the go in case of medical emergencies.
10. Delhi Government has advised people to stay in their homes and celebrate with family to prevent COVID-19 Omicron spread. They should be aware that if they do not be careful in this New Year, then third wave is not far away.
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