Bhubaneswar: With a view to protecting the health of public and preventing the spread of the Omicron variant of COVID-19, the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation has imposed strict curbs on public gatherings during Christmas, Zero Night celebration for New Year.
According to an order issued by the BMC on Friday evening, stipulations will remain in force on 25th December, 2021 for Christmas and 31st Dec, 2021 to 2nd January, 2022.
The Church authority have been asked ensure that there are as many participants inside the church so that social distancing of 6 ft is maintained among them. However, in no case the total number of participants shall exceed 50.
The Church authority will also ensure that all participants inside the church premises adhere to other COVID appropriate behaviour like proper wearing of Mask, Hand hygiene etc. However, persons who have been administered with both the COVID vaccine doses will be allowed inside the church.
The church authority will also have to make provision of thermal screening outside the church and ensure that no symptomatic person is allowed inside. Besides, the BMC will install COVID RAT testing facility outside each church and only those who are negative will be allowed inside the Church.
Zero Night Celebration, New Year Welcome in hotels, restaurants, clubs, parks, convention halls, Kalyan Mandaps or other such places within BMC area has been completely banned.
Picnics or Community feasts at public places have been also prohibited and citizens advised to celebrate within their home premises with no mass gatherings by adhering to all COVID appropriate behaviour.
Funeral rites is allowed with due COVID-19 protocols. 10. Other than marriage (but not reception and ancillary functions) any other celebration / congregation is strictly prohibited.
However on these dates if BMC has issued permission for events like marriage/death rituals etc. the stipulations mentioned above in 9 & 10 to be strictly adhered. Â No social gathering, rallies, orchestras, dances and other cultural programmes will be permitted, the BMC order further read.
