New Year festivities are prohibited in the city due to the Omicron threat

Following an increase in Covid-19 instances in Mumbai, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) prohibited new year parties and Christmas celebrations in the city on Friday night. Between the hours of 9 a.m. and 6 p.m., prohibitive regulations prohibit groups of more than five people from congregating in public locations.

Dr. Balkrishna Adsul said, “Until Wednesday, we had 30 Omicron sufferers. Twenty-two of these have been absolutely vaccinated whereas the remaining eight have been partially immunised.” 

Iqbal Singh Chahal, Municipal Commissioner, issued a circular that reads, 

“No new year celebration programme, party, function, gathering, activity, happening in an open or closed spaced shall be allowed within the municipal limits of greater Mumbai,”

“Measures are being tightened to contain the spread of the virus and avoid any possible surge in Covid-19 cases especially considering the upcoming Christmas and New Year gatherings and with a view to prevent danger to human life, health, safety and to break the chain of the virus effectively,” the circular further says.

The instructions come after a rise in instances of Covid-19. On Friday, Maharashtra recorded 1,410 instances, up from 1,179 cases reported the day before. It was the greatest increase in nearly two months. The death toll in the state has risen to 1,41,404.

During weddings, social, political, and religious meetings, the civic authority has also ruled that no more than 100 people be permitted within enclosed places such as banquet halls and no more than 250 people be permitted inside open sky spaces.

All restaurants, gymnasiums, spas, and theatres will remain open at 50% capacity, according to the statement. In addition, the number of spectators during a sporting event shall not exceed 25% of the stadium's capacity.