Covid-19 and curfews: 4 reasons why your crazy New Year party can totally wait

This New Year, it’s time to take it easy once again, instead of partying the night out, courtesy the rise in Covid-19 cases and ensuing curfews.
covid-19 curfew
Be as safe as you can, especially during the New Year. Image courtesy: Shutterstock
Geetika Sachdev Published: 29 Dec 2021, 17:45 pm IST
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As Covid-19 cases are rising, and news about Omicron and Delmicron variants has gathered steam, it’s giving us sleepless nights! No wonder, state governments across India have imposed restrictions and while that might dampen your New Year plans, it is important to be safe than sorry!

As of now, India has reported 781 cases of the Omicron variant with the highest number of infections in Delhi (238), followed by Maharashtra (167).

In the wake of rising Covid-19 cases, booster shots for the elderly and frontline workers have also been announced. Vaccines for children between 15-18 will also be administered.

So if you are still looking to go ahead with your plans, STOP right way or look for small meet-ups at home with friends and family.

Curfews sparked by Covid-19:

1. Night curfews:

India’s capital New Delhi has sounded ‘Yellow alert’ due to a rise in the number of Omicron cases. The city has a night curfew from 10 pm to 5 am. The same goes for Karnataka, where a 10-day night curfew has been imposed during the same hours. Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, and Uttar Pradesh are the other states on the list.

2. Limited operations at hotels and restaurants:

If you had plans to go all out and celebrate the New Year with a huge group of friends, it’s time to rethink! In Delhi, restaurants will open with 50 percent capacity, but from 8 am to 10 pm, while bars will also open with 50 percent capacity, but from 12 noon to 10 pm. Restaurants to operate at 50 percent capacity.

covid-19 curfew
The battle against Covid-19 is still on. Let’s wait and watch when it ends. Image courtesy: Shutterstock

Hotels will remain open but banquets and conference halls inside the hotel will remain closed.

If you are in Karnataka, say goodbye to your New year celebrations at restaurants, and hotels, during the 10-day curfew. Only pubs and clubs have been asked to operate with 50% of their seating capacity from December 30, 2021 to January 2, 2022.

In Kerala, pubs, restaurants, bars can operate with 60% seating capacity.

3. Public hotspots to remain shut:

In Delhi, cinema halls, multiplexes, banquet halls, and auditoriums will remain closed. So will spas, gyms, yoga institutes, and entertainment parks!

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4. No outdoor New Year parties:

Mumbai’s civic body has banned New Year celebration programs in any closed space or even terraces. The Mumbai police also issued a warning that they will watch out for any ‘secret’ parties. The message is to stay at home, and be low-key!

The Karnataka state government has prohibited New Year parties and functions in external premises, especially for those celebrating with DJs.

covid-19 curfew
Give your new year party a pause.Take covid precuations. Image courtesy: Shutterstock

Here’s how you can celebrate New Year safely during the Covid-19 pandemic:

1. Cook a special meal and enjoy your favourite movie with your family.
2. Do not invite too many people.
3. Organize a virtual party with your friends.

The second wave of Covid-19 has already given a big blow to everyone. People who have battled it continue to experience longlasting symptoms. Several lives got lost to this deadly virus. It’s worth it then to not take it easy and follow all the safety protocols, including social distancing, masking, and sanitizing your hands!

On that note, here’s wishing all of you a Happy New Year!

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About the Author

An independent writer and journalist, Geetika loves sharp and fresh humour, just like her coffee! If not writing, you'll find her cafe-hopping and raiding the best book stores in town. ...Read More

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