Mumbai: Amid rising Omicron cases, BMC issues fresh guidelines ahead of New Year, Christmas

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Amid rising Omicron cases in Mumbai, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) issued new guidelines on Tuesday for mass gatherings. As per the new orders, gatherings of 200 people will have to get written permission from authorities.

The guidelines said that 50 per cent capacity will be allowed by "strictly maintaining 6×6 feet distance" in in closed places, but only 25 per cent capacity with the same distancing norm will be permitted in open spaces.

It further said, "In case a total number of people present for any programme/ function/ gathering/ wedding/ party/ meeting, activity or happening whether, social, religious or political, exceeds 200 people, Assistant Commissioner or local ward shall send their representatives to supervise, as observers, any such gathering and to ensure that there is strict adherence to the rules regarding Covid-19 Appropriate Behaviour and any other rules prescribed by the State Government from time to time."

Also read: Omicron Scare: No parties, mass gatherings from Dec 30 to Jan 2 in Karnataka

The violators will be punished under sections of the Indian Penal Code, 1860, and Disaster Management Act, 2005.

Earlier, the state government allowed gatherings of up to 1,000 people without requiring any permission. Organisers has take permission in cases of gatherings above 1,000.