New Year celebrations banned in Karnataka to contain COVID-19

BENGALURU: The Government of Karnataka banned the special DJ dance programmes and parties for four days beginning from December 30. The state will miss the usual New Year day evening celebrations in clubs, pubs, and restaurants, in order to reduce the risk of spread of COVID-19. The state government issued the guideline on Thursday, December 17, prohibiting any outdoor celebrations between December 3 and January 2.

The state government has also issued guidelines for the public to avoid hugging and handshakes during celebrations. However, the order said that there will be no restrictions on pubs and restaurants willing to work normally.

T M Vijay Bhaskar, Chief Secretary, Government of Karnataka, said that considering the public health, there is a need to celebrate Christmas and New Year in a simple way. Due to this, all the mass parties are banned in the state where large crowds gather without following social distancing norms, he added.

Organisers and supervisors at church must ensure that a large number of people don’t gather at a time and should maintain social distancing. According to the guidelines, Police Commissioners and Deputy Commissioners have been given the authority to impose further restrictions at certain specific places that fall in their jurisdiction.