Omicron fears: Govt announces night curfew in New Delhi

New Delhi: The Delhi government on Sunday decided to impose a night curfew in the city from Monday in view of an increase in the number of coronavirus cases. The curfew will be imposed from 11 pm to 5 am every night.

Indian media reported that Delhi recorded 290 new Covid-19 cases and one fatality, while the positivity rate rose to 0.55%, as per the data shared by the Delhi government's health department today.

With this, the cumulative tally rose to 14,43,352 while the death toll rose to 25,105. The number of active cases stands at 1,103, of which 583 patients are in home isolation.

There has been an uptick in the number of cases in the last few days, amid a threat of the Omicron variant of the virus.

Earlier today, the Delhi government had postponed a play on the life of Babasaheb Ambedkar that was to be staged from 5 January in view of the rising coronavirus cases in the national capital, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal announced.

The government did not announce a new date.

Earlier, following to spike in the Omicron cases in India, the Uttar Pradesh government has decided to impose night curfew in the state.

According to foreign media reports, the restrictions will come into effect from December 25. The curfew will be in place from 11pm to 5am in all 75 districts. Additionally, the government said that only 200 people will be allowed to attend marriages and social functions with necessary Covid protocols. The organisers will be required to inform the local authorities about such events.

The decision was taken at a high-level meeting which was presided over by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath in Lucknow today morning. 

Adityanath also asked the officials to ensure all traders follow the 'no mask, no goods' policy at their establishments.

Masks should be made mandatory for everyone on the streets or in the markets. Police should carry out continuous patrols to ensure the guidelines are followed, an order issued by the government said.

Adityanath directed the officials to ensure that people arriving in Uttar Pradesh from other states or abroad are traced and tested for coronavirus and extra vigilance is maintained on buses, railway stations and airports. He also asked for a close watch to be kept on the health of those coming from outside the state after testing them, and if required, they should be admitted to hospitals or be quarantined.

Notably, several states have already imposed strict restrictions in the wake of rising cases of Omicron. According to the Union Health Ministry data, there are 358 cases of Omicron across 17 states and union territories of which 114 have either recovered or migrated. Maharashtra has recorded the highest number of 88 cases of the Omicron variant, followed by Delhi with 67, Telangana 38, Tamil Nadu 34, Karnataka 31 and Gujarat 30.

While night curfew has been imposed in Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat, states like Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and others have imposed restrictions on celebrations and social gatherings ahead of Christmas and New Year. Earlier this week, the Centre had sent an advisory to the states and Union Territories wherein it asked them to step up the vigil and take measures like night curfew, restrictions on events among others to arrest the spread of Omicron which is highly contagious.

In Noida, the Police Commissionerate of Gautam Buddh Nagar district has announced to impose Section 144 till December 31. The restrictions have been imposed to keep a check on the spread of Covid and maintain the law and order situation.