Omicron scare: Delhi govt bans Christmas, New Year gatherings

With the highest number of Omicron variant cases in the country reported from New Delhi, the Arvind Kejriwal government on Wednesday ordered a ban on Christmas and New Year gatherings in the national capital.

All cultural events and other gatherings have been prohibited, according to an order by the Delhi Disaster Management Authority or the DDMA which also directed the district magistrates to identify the potential superspreader areas in the capital city.

While the magistrates have been asked to submit daily reports, market trade associations have also been directed to deny entry to customers without masks.

Omicron cases in the capital have increased to 57. Delhi and Maharashtra continue to contribute the highest number of new Omicron cases to the country’s total caseload.

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Warning that the Omicron variant of Covid-19 is “at least three times more transmissible” than the Delta variant, the Centre on Tuesday directed states to impose strict restrictions in districts reporting high positivity rate, including imposition of night curfew, strict regulation of large gatherings and containment measures.