Bhubaneswar, Dec 24: Odisha government on Friday imposed a series of restrictions for Christmas and New Year celebration from December 25 till January 2, 2022 with a view to protecting the health of the public and preventing the spread of Omicron, the new variant of Covid 19 in the state.
The restrictions were imposed after four cases of Omicron were detected in Odisha during last few days. As per the restrictions issued by the Special Relief Commissioner Christmas celebrations shall be limited to churches with a maximum of 50 persons joining the mass by strictly following the Covid protocols and conditions imposed by the District Magistrates, Muncipal Commissioners and local authorities while permitting such mass.
The government completely banned the zero night celebrations, Zero Night celebrations in hotels, clubs, restaurants, parks, convention halls and Kalyan mandaps across the state.
The State government also banned community feasts, social gathering, rallies, orchestras, dances and other cultural programs, marriage receptions and ancillary functions during the period. The order said no celebration other than marriage (but not receptions and ancillary functions) is allowed across the state.
During the period funeral is allowed with Covid 19 protocols. There shall be strict Vigilance on crowding and gathering during the occasions. Any one violating the restrictions will be liable to be proceeded as per the provisions of law.
Odisha government imposed the restrictions in exercise of powers conferred under section 2 of the Epidemic Disease Act 1897, Disaster Management Act 2005 and the Odisha Covid 19 Regulation, 2020.Â
The order said Omicron, the new variant of Covid has been a cause of concern for the state after detection of Omicron infection cases in the state. The Union government has identified 14 countries as at risk and mandated home quarantine for all those who arrive from these countries and are covid negative in Airport screening.
The District magistrates, Police Commissioners of Cuttack and Bhubaneswar and Muncipal Commissioners are asked to enforce the guidelines and may impose any additional restrictions as may be felt necessary for the containment and spread ofCovid 19.
