Omicron Scare: UP Announces Night Curfew And Social Gathering Restrictions

Night curfew in UP: Amidst the growing Omicron threat in India and the world, various states governments are issuing new guidelines to prevent its community spread. The Variant of Concern, as called by the World Health Organisation, has forced the state as well as centre governments in India to re-impose the night curfew. On December 24, the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh Yogi Adityanath has joined the other states in announcing night curfew and restrictions on social gatherings.

The new variant Omicron was first identified by scientists in South Africa, since then, its presence has been found in many countries including India, which as of today has 358 cases of the new variant. The growth in number has even triggered the Allahabad High Court to issue notice to the Election Commission on the possibility of postponing the upcoming assembly election in Uttar Pradesh in 2022.

Today, the UP government announced a night curfew in the state from December 25, every day from 11 PM to 5 AM. They have also stated that not more than 200 people will be allowed at weddings.

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This announcement comes a day after the Madhya Pradesh government led by Shivraj Singh Chouhan too imposed a similar night curfew. It was also imposed by the state of Gujarat and Rajasthan is expected to decide on it today.

The state of Karnataka too has imposed guidelines pertaining too restrictions on public gatherings which will be in place from December 30 till January 2. Mass gatherings have been banned and restaurants and pubs are supposed to have 50 percent seating capacity with no events allowed.

Out of the 358 Omicron cases reported in India, Maharashtra has 88 cases, Delhi has 67 cases, Telangana has 38 cases, Tamil Nadu has 34 cases, Karnataka has 31 cases and Gujarat stands with 30 cases.

These social gathering restrictions and night curfews come after Prime Minister Narendra Modi talked about the need for being alert and attentive to the new variant ahead festive season. The PMO, in a statement, said, "The fight against the pandemic is not over, he (Prime Minister) said, and the need for continued adherence to Covid safe behaviour is of paramount importance even today."

According to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, 7, 495 fresh COVID-19 cases have been reported in India in the last 24 hours. The country also reported 434 new COVID-19 related deaths.