In a bid to prevent the spread of Covid-19 and its highly contagious new variant ‘Omicron’, the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) on Thursday announced closure of all religious institutions in the city from December 31 to January 2.
The decision was taken to protect the health and safety of the public, the BMC stated. However, all rituals would be performed by servitors amid strict adherence to the Covid-19 protocols.
Besides, the two planetariums in the State would be closed for visitors for a period of three days from Friday.
“Pathani Samanta Planetarium, Bhubaneswar and Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Planetarium, Burla will remain temporarily closed for visitors with effect from December 31 to January 2, 2022 as a precautionary measure against spread of new Covid variant Omicron which has been cause of concern for the State,” a notification stated.
As part of precautionary measures in view of huge crowds at various places ahead of New Year, the Government has already banned Zero Night celebrations in the State.
