Karnataka’s new rules for New Year 2022 celebrations. Here are the guidelines

BENGALURU:

Karnataka has prohibited Mass gatherings from December 30 to January 2. The decision comes amid rising Omicron cases in the state. As many as 19 cases of Omicron variant have been reported in Karnataka so far.

“The State Government has been taking all possible measures to combat the spread of COVID 19 in the State. There is a need to take additional measures to prevent spread of COVID 19 during the ensuing festive season. In view of larger public interest and safeguarding public health, it is imperative that Christmas and New Year festivities be celebrated in a simple, traditional and meaning full manner. Hence, special events to celebrate New Year in public places such as pubs/bars/restaurants, etc, needs to be prohibited to prevent large gatherings of people,” said P RaviKümar, Chief Secretary and Chairman, State Executive Committee in a order issued on this evening.

Guidelines for celebration of Christmas and New Year festivities

Christmas Celebrations: The prayers/mass etc, in traditional manner be conducted within the Church premises strictly adhering to COVID appropriate behaviour.

No public places, roads, parks, etc, be used for celebrations or conducting prayers

New Year celebrations – The following guidelines will be in force from 30-12-2021 to 02-01-2022.

1. No special events like DJ, Orchestra, group dancing, etc, permitted either in the clubs/pubs/restaurants/hotels/bars, etc, or in any of the private places.
2. No public places including roads, parks, playgrounds, etc, can be used for any gathering to celebrate New Year festivities.
3. The restaurants/hotels/clubs/pubs can function as usual strictly adhering to COVID appropriate behaviour. All staff members of the said entities to compulsorily possess COVID 19 negative RTPCR report and will be fully vaccinated with 2 doses of COVID 19 vaccine.
4. The entry to restaurants/hotels/clubs, etc, shall be allowed only to the persons who are vaccinated with two doses of COVID 19 vaccine.
5. Apartment associations are permitted to conduct programs within their premises strictly adhering to COVID appropriate behaviour but no special events like DJ, Dance Floor for group dancing, etc, are permitted. The organizers will be responsible to enforce COVID appropriate behaviour during conduct of such programs.
6. There shall be strict implementation of guidelines issued by the Government vide order of orders the even number dated 03-07-2021 and the connecting by concerned authorities. There vwill be strict enforcement of COVID appropriate behaviour such as compulsory wearing masks, maintain social distancing, etc, in public places such as Hotels, malls, pubs, restaurants etc.
7. The prevailing COVID 19 containment guidelines by the state Government will be strictly enforced by the concerned authorities. Further, Standard operating procedure/guidelines issued by the Health and Family Police Department, Pollution Control Board, Fire and Welfare Department, Services, BBMP, District Administration/authorities and other Emergency local authorities shal be strictly followed.
   Any person violating these measures will be liable to be proceeded against as per the provisions of Section 51 to 60 of the Disaster Management Act, 2005, besides legal action under Section 188 of the IPC, and other legal provisions as applicable.