New year celebrations in Mumbai banned

COLOMBO(News 1st); The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) in Mumbai, India has banned New Year celebrations and gatherings in both closed or open spaces in the city of Mumbai, due to an increase in coronavirus cases and the growing threat of the Omicron strain.

The order was issued to such effect on Friday by Iqbal Singh Chahal, the Mumbai Municipal Commissioner.

The ruling took effect at 12 a.m.(IST) on Christmas day and will remain in effect until the next guideline is issued.

The injunction covers all hotels, bars, restaurants, and privately held venues that could be used for such gatherings and celebrations, according to the statement issued by the BMC.

The Indian state of Maharashtra recorded 1,410 coronavirus cases and 20 Omicron variant infections. Which led to the Maharashtra government prohibiting gatherings of more than five persons in public places between 9 pm and 6 am (IST) from Christmas eve.

The BMC has issued a second rule requiring residents of Mumbai arriving from Dubai to undergo a seven-day home quarantine. Travelers from other regions of Maharashtra will be permitted to leave Mumbai immediately after arriving from Dubai, but their transportation will be arranged by the collector, the statement further said.