New Year’s revelries will remain muted by coronavirus strain this year. Where can one take part in public celebrations as the clock strikes 12 to usher in a New Year? That was the question doing rounds on Thursday with the announcement of a night curfew and imposition of section 144 in several states and union territories, throwing plans into disarray for those planning to celebrate outside their homes.
Amid the scare of the new coronavirus strain, Maharashtra, Delhi, Kerala, Punjab, Odisha, Rajasthan, Uttarakhand, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka have imposed renewed restrictions ahead of the New Year celebrations to help prevent the spread of coronavirus. Hotels, restaurants, pubs, public places and beaches were closed to the public for late-night celebrations on Thursday. Even the fireworks display was not allowed.
As many as 25 passengers all of whom recently returned were found to be infected with the new United Kingdom variant genome of SARS-CoV-2 so far.
According to hotel industry sources, hotels, restaurants and pubs, big and small, said they received many calls cancelling their pre-bookings even though there was really no need to. The Hilton Garden Inn, Saket, for instance, which was offering a stay for two, along with a full-fledged festive treat, at a discounted price of Rs 12,500 said many non-resident’ guests had cancelled. The ITC, Maurya, New Delhi, was giving an array of offers for the festive meal, including a special ‘midnight buffet’ from 12.30 am to 3 am.
But that probably stands cancelled and senior staffers said they are still discussing the order with concerned authorities and would abide by all guidelines imposed by the government. According to Public App, one of India’s largest location-based social network, “78.82 per cent” — out of over one lakh Delhi residents surveyed — said they would prefer celebrating New Year at home over any hotel or restaurant.
In Maharashtra, a night curfew in all the municipal areas was imposed from 11 pm to 6 am and will remain in force till 5 January. Gatherings in restaurants, bars and pubs has not been allowed post-11 pm, Loudspeaker/DJ music beyond permissible decibel limit and fireworks are also prohibited. The State Government has also imposed restrictions on parties in restaurants, pubs, bars, beaches, rooftops, and boats.
In Delhi, the government has been imposed night curfew beginning 11 pm on December 31 to 6 am on January 1. For January 2, the night curfew will begin at 11 pm on January 1 and continue till 6 am on January 2. An order issued by DDMA stated that not more than five people will be allowed to assemble at public places in Delhi during night curfew to avoid large gatherings.
The Karnataka Government, through guidelines and orders, has also prohibited parties, and special events at clubs, pubs, restaurants, and other places that attract people in large numbers without social distancing.
The Kerala Government had set a 10 pm deadline for New Year’s Eve celebrations in the state in view of the coronavirus pandemic situation. No public gatherings was allowed.
The Odisha Government also closed all shops, commercial establishments, offices, institutions and movement of till 5 am on Saturday.
The Punjab Government has imposed night curfew till January 1, 2021 so that revelers could not be celebrated.
In Tamil Nadu, the authorities have barred large gatherings beaches and roads and banned midnight parties in restaurants, hotels, clubs, resorts and similar places.
Amid concerns over the new, more infectious coronavirus strain, the Centre on Wednesday issued an advisory to all states and Union Territories to keep strict vigil on New Year celebrations that could be potential “super-spreader” events. A total of 25 people in the country have tested positive for the new United Kingdom variant genome of SARS-CoV-2 so far.
In West Bengal, the Kolkata Police have taken measures to ensure that all COVID-19 safety protocols are maintained and there is no large gathering for celebrating the New Year eve, as ordered by the Calcutta High Court to check a spike in infections.
Uttarakhand’s Capital Dehradun has banned public celebrations like parties at hotels, bars and restaurants on New Year’s Eve and New Year.