Rising omicron cases: Karnataka govt imposes restrictions on large gatherings from Dec 30 to Jan 2

Belagavi: After consulting with the experts on the spread of the Omicron variant, Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai on Decemeber 21 announced a slew of restrictions on Christmas and new year celebrations.

Speaking to the media at Suvarna Vidhana Soudha, Bommai said that the decision has been taken at a high-level meeting with authorities and Covid expert committee members who attended the meeting through video conferencing.

The state health department is worried over the detection of 19 cases of Omicron variant in the state. The cases are reported in districts other than Bengaluru and health machinery is on firefighting mode. Fortunately, all Omicron patients are asymptomatic and recovering well.

“The usual large gatherings at M.G.Road, Brigade Road, and surrounding areas in Bengaluru have been banned this time. Large gatherings are also banned at any place across the state for new year celebrations,” he stated.

As for as clubs, pubs are concerned, DJ music, special events are not allowed. The entry has been restricted to 50 percent capacity. Large-scale parties are also not allowed anywhere in the state, he maintained.

Bommai further said that this applies to the apartment premises also. The resident welfare associations must see to it that there are no large gatherings and parties on their premises. The entry is allowed only for those who have been administered two doses of Covid vaccination.

The rules will be applied from December 30 to January 2. During the Christmas celebrations, mass gatherings are not allowed outside the premises and the prayers inside the church are allowed and church authorities should ensure social distancing, Bommai explained.

(With inputs from IANS)