Bengaluru Omicron scare: Association decides not to hold New Year celebrations at Brigade Road

Bengaluru: Brigade Road, which is one of the busiest shopping areas in the heart of Bengaluru, will wear a plain look this Christmas and New Year too due to Covid. The Brigade Shops and Establishment Association (BSEA) has barred New Year celebrations on Brigade Road as the number of cases of omicron infections is swelling day by day.

Every year between December 15 and January 5, lavish entertainment programs, lighting, concerts, etc are held at the busy Brigade Road to attract shoppers during Christmas and New Year celebrations in the city. But the association has decided not to hold these celebrations due to the increasing cases reported in the city and elsewhere, a BSEA member said.

The association spent Rs 15 Lakh annually during these celebrations on expenses related to arranging the programs, police security, CCTV cameras, etc. However, the association has decided to put brakes on the spending, the member said.

The Chairman of BSEA Shoail Yusuf said the steps were taken to ensure the safety of the people and the traders on Brigade Road. He appealed to people to follow Covid guidelines for the safety of all.