Highlights:
- A total number of 1,525 cases of the Omicron variant of Covid-19 in India have been found over 23 states/union territories (UTs) so far.
- Maharashtra had the most cases, with 460 infections, followed by Delhi with 351, Gujarat with 136, Tamil Nadu with 117, and Kerala with 109.
With the increase of Omicron cases, the country is experiencing a new wave of fear and restrictions. Several states, which saw a terrifying second wave of the Covid-19 pandemic, have imposed a slew of limitations to prevent the spread of the new coronavirus strain. So far, 1,525 infections of the coronavirus Omicron strain have been detected among 23 states and union territories in which Maharashtra had the highest cases with 460, followed by Delhi with 351 cases, Gujarat-136, Tamil Nadu-117, and Kerala-109.
The following is a list of Covid restrictions imposed by various states/UTs in India:
Delhi
The Delhi government is now enforcing a Yellow or Level 1 warning, which includes limitations such as night curfew, school and college shutdown, the opening of non-essential stores on an odd-even basis, and 50% seating capacity in Metro trains and buses, among other things. However, if the Covid crisis continues, further restrictions will be enforced in the national capital.
Maharashtra
Due to a surge in Omicron cases in the financial capital, the Mumbai Police Department has issued an order prohibiting people from visiting beaches, sea faces, open fields, promenades, gardens, parks, or other similar public places between 5 p.m. and 5 a.m. everyday till January 15. The maximum number of guests at a marriage, whether in an enclosed or open place, should be limited to 50 people. Only 20 people would be permitted to be present during the final rites.
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West Bengal
The West Bengal government has imposed tougher restrictions in response to an increase in Covid-19 cases in the state. The state government has ordered the closure of all educational institutions starting January 3. In the state, essential services will be authorised between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m. Malls and marketplaces would be permitted to stay open until 10 p.m., but only at half capacity. Local trains will run at half capacity till 7 p.m. Long-distance trains and Metro trains, on the other hand, will operate on their regular schedules but with half their capacity.
All government and commercial offices will function at half capacity, and all administrative meetings will be held virtually. Cinemas and theatres can operate with half of their seating capacity at a time and until 10 p.m. Marriages and other social or religious events will be limited to 50 people. Up to 20 people have been permitted to attend funeral ceremonies and final rites.
Moreover, the West Bengal government has permitted flights from Delhi and Mumbai on Mondays and Fridays only. This limitation will take effect on January 5, 2022.
Haryana
The state government has also ordered the closure of all schools, colleges, and other educational institutions. Only people who have been completely immunised will be permitted to use public transportation, , shopping malls, hotels, restaurants, and grain markets. Malls and marketplaces would close by 5 p.m. in districts with high daily cases, such as Gurugram, Ambala, Panchkula, Faridabad, and Sonipat. In these five districts, cinemas, swimming pools, entertainment parks, sports complexes, and other places of leisure will stay closed.
Telangana
Rallies, public meetings, and mass gatherings (religious, cultural, and political) are forbidden across the state.
The management of schools and educational institutions must guarantee that all employees and students wear masks and behave in a COVID-compliant manner. A Rs. 1,000 fine will be enforced for failing to wear a mask in public locations.
Tamil Nadu
Dine-in services at restaurants, hotels, and bakeries have been limited to 50% of their capacity. All playschools and kindergartens have been closed, and no direct classes for standard 1-8 will be held until January 10. Classes for standards 9 to 12, as well as colleges and ITIs, will be held in accordance with Standard Operating Procedures. A wedding can only have 100 guests, whereas death-related ceremonies can only have 50.
Chandigarh
Wedding palaces, restaurants, and other eateries will be operating at half capacity. Sukhna Lake will remain closed for all activities, including boating, except from 5 a.m. to 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., Monday to Saturday. Every Sunday, Sukhna Lake will be closed.
Gujarat
From 11 p.m. to 5 a.m., the state has enforced a night curfew in eight cities: Ahmedabad, Surat, Rajkot, Gandhinagar, Vadodara, Bhavnagar, Jamnagar, and Junagadh.
