Omicron: Christmas, New Year gatherings banned in Delhi, here’s what’s allowed and what’s not

The number of Omicron cases continues to rise in Delhi with the national capital on Wednesday recording 125 new cases, the highest in six months. Amid the Omicron – which has already been declared a ‘variant of concern’ by the World Health Organization – threat, the Delhi government has decided to ban all mass gatherings during Christmas and New Year. The Delhi Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) has issued a release stating that there has been a persistent rise in COVID-19 cases and therefore all District Administrations need to take all requisite measures or actions to control the spread of COVID-19.

“Delhi Disaster Management Authority in view of rising COVID cases and variant of concern-Omicron, instructs DMs to take all required measures in their respective jurisdictions to control the spread. No mask/No entry should be strictly ensured at shops/workplaces,” the release said.

Let’s have a look at what’s allowed and what’s not in Delhi:

• All political, social, cultural, religious, sports, entertainment, and festival-related gatherings have been banned in Delhi.
• All bars and restaurants are allowed to function but only with up to 50 per cent of their seating capacity.
• Similarly, assembly halls and auditoriums will be allowed to function with up to 50 per cent of the seating capacity.
• Marriage and gatherings related to the function are allowed for now. But the number of guests in these functions has been capped to up to 200.
• Sports activities in the sports complex and stadi will be allowed but only without spectators.
• Authorised weekly markets are allowed in the national capital subject to strict compliance of COVID-19 related protocols.
• Schools and colleges are still allowed to operate but with strict compliance with COVID-19 related SOP.
• Cinema, multiplexes, and theaters can operate with 100 per cent seating capacity.
• The Delhi Metro is allowed to run with 100 per cent capacity. However, the number of standing passengers has been restricted to 30 per coach.
• Similarly, buses can run with 100 per cent capacity but the number of standing passengers should not be above 50 per cent of seating capacity.