As the world steps into the new year 2021, the deadly COVID-19 virus refuses to be left behind. It has thrown a new challenge by mutating into a new virus. The plans and hopes to welcome New Year 2021 has changed as several countries have imposed night curfew to prevent New Year Even parties.
In Nagaland, the Department of Health & Family Welfare (DoH&FW) has informed that it is fully prepared to meet the threat posed by the new and mutated COVID-19 strain .
In various states and cities throughout the country, strict enforcement on public gathering has been put in place.
Though the situation has improved in India, authorities and state administrations have re-imposed restrictions for New Year celebrations because of the new strain of COVID-19 infection that was reported in the United Kingdom (UK) in December. The centre and the state governments have issued a fresh set of guidelines for the New Year celebrations. Meanwhile, the MHA has also extended the Unlock guidelines, which will now remain in force till January 31, 2021.
In Delhi, there will be no New Year celebration events, no gatherings at public places permitted from 11 p.m. of December 31 to 6 a.m. of January 1 and 11 p.m. of January 1 to 6 a.m. of January 2, 2021.
The Delhi Police have also warned the residents against any public events or terrace parties on New Year’s Eve.
In Mumbai and other cities of Maharashtra, night curfew to remain in place from 11 p.m. December 31 to 6 a.m. January 1,2021.
In Kolkata, opposite to all other cities, the city is going to hold a public function on New Year’s eve. A theme celebration will be organised wherein we will see ongoing anti-Agri law protests and some on anti-CAA protests.
In Chennai, celebrations in clubs, pubs, beach resorts, restaurants, and beaches have banned from December 31, 2020 till January 1, 2021.
In Kerala, the state government has issued an order prohibiting all public gatherings as part of New Year celebrations should cease by 10 p.m. of December 31.
In Punjab, a night curfew from December 31 will remain in force from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. till January 1, 2021.
In Himachal Pradesh, night curfew has been imposed in Shimla, Mandi, Kangra and Kullu from December 31, 2020 till January 5, 2021.
In Rajasthan, night curfew has been imposed from 8 p.m. of December 31, 2020 to 6 a.m. till January 1, 2021.
In Uttarakhand, the Dehradun administration has banned public celebrations like parties at hotels, bars, restaurants and other public places on New Year’s Eve on December 31, 2020 to January 1, 2021.