BMC brings out order banning revelry in closed or open spaces amid sharp rise in cases in Mumbai
BMC says strict curbs will be in place at hotels, bars, restaurants and privately owned spots
No New Year parties, in open or closed spaces, can be held in Mumbai this time, the BMC has said in an order. This follows fresh restrictions, including curfew between 9 pm and 6 am, imposed by the Maharashtra government amid rising Covid cases in the city and state. The order issued by BMC Commissioner Iqbal Singh Chahal will remain in force till the next directive, said officials.
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The order issued by Chahal reads, “No New Year celebration programmes/ function/ gathering/ party/ or any activity should happen in any closed or open space in municipal limits of Greater Mumbai.”
Cops check a bike at Nagpada junction, in the backdrop of a mural stressing the need for masks, on Sunday. Pic/Bipin Kokate
The order justified the curbs saying Mumbai continues to be threatened with the spread of Covid, especially the Omicron variant, and the rapid increase in cases over the past few days. “It is imperative not only to continue but also tighten the measures to prevent the rapid spread of the virus,” it reads.
To ensure there are no ambiguities or grey areas in the order, the BMC has categorically said that the restrictions will be imposed on all hotels, bars, restaurants as well as privately owned places that could be used as a venue for New Year celebrations.
The measures are also necessary to avoid a possible surge in Covid cases and to prevent danger to human life, health, safety and to break the chain of transmission of the virus effectively, said the order issued last week.
On Friday, the Centre had also warned citizens of a probable third wave in the country. The Union health ministry said that the world is grappling with the fourth wave of Coronavirus and there is an “indispensable” need to take maximum precautions and steps to curb the spread of the pandemic.
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