Maharashtra issued Guidelines for New Year Celebrations; Night Curfew continues

Maharashtra issued Guidelines for New Year Celebrations; Night Curfew continues
Representative Image (Photo : Tomas Simkus / Dreamstime)
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Key Points:

  • With a life threat due to the virus, the Maharashtra government, on Monday, issued a list of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) that must be followed on the New Years eve.
  • Barring cultural and religious programmes, the government has also asked people to refrain from bursting firecrackers and avoid crowding at public places like Gateway of India and chowpatties, Juhu and Marine Lines too.
  • “Though there will be no curfew on December 31 throughout the day, people are advised not to venture out of their houses and celebrate the New Year at home. They are expected not to gather at sea shores, gardens and on roads in large numbers. They should also maintain social distancing and wear masks at public places,” read the circular issued.

New Year is round the corner and Covid-19 is still present in the country. With a life threat due to the virus, the Maharashtra government, on Monday, issued a list of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) that must be followed on the New Years eve. The reason behind this is also the newly found strain of the Covid-19 virus in the United Kingdom and recently, six travelers that landed in the country have been tested positive for the strain.

The Maharashtra State government has urged people to stay indoor during the New Year. The government also reiterated that the night curfew will be strictly followed from 11 PM to 6 AM on 31st December without any exceptions being considered.

Barring cultural and religious programmes, the government has also asked people to refrain from bursting firecrackers and avoid crowding at public places like Gateway of India and chowpatties, Juhu and Marine Lines too. “On the first day of the year, many people tend to visit religious places where they are expected to maintain social distancing and follow Covid-19 appropriate protocols,” added the circular.

The circular read: “Though there will be no curfew on December 31 throughout the day, people are advised not to venture out of their houses and celebrate the New Year at home. They are expected not to gather at sea shores, gardens and on roads in large numbers. They should also maintain social distancing and wear masks at public places.”

Citizens above 60 years and children below 10 years are asked to stay inside their homes in order to stay safe from the virus. The citizens are also asked to strictly abide by the rules given out by the Government Relief, Health, Environment, Medical Education department as well as the concerned Municipal Corporation, Police and Local Administration.

Maharashtra has already imposed a 7 hour night curfew from December 22 to January 5 to avoid huge gatherings for the New Year Celebrations.