Telangana Limits New Year Celebrations As Omicron Cases Rises

New Year celebrations around the world have been muted with the new variant ‘Omicron’s rapid spread. Even in Telangana, the festivities and celebration have been restricted as the state high court on Thursday directed its government to tighten curbs on gatherings, both on Christmas and New Year.

Since the year-end usually sees vigorous travels, the court has directed the government to make it mandatory for those coming from other states to undergo the COVID-19 test at Hyderabad Airport. A bench of Chief Justice Satish Chandra Sharma and Justice N . Tukaramji was hearing a batch of public interest petitions on Covi19. Telangana reported 14 new infections on Wednesday and this takes the state’s tally to 38.

Of the new cases, 12 were detected among passengers who came from other than “at-risk” countries while two passengers from “at-risk” countries also tested positive for the new variant of Covid-19. For many of us, this time of year is all about finding joy in the planning and celebrating of various festivals that bring families and friends together. With varying levels of restrictions in places across the globe, it is comprehended that this year’s celebrations will be different to last year’s, but may still not be ‘back to normal’.

Yesterday, the Delhi Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) put a ban on all kinds of gatherings on Christmas and New Year in the national capital. So far, as many as 236 cases of Omicron have been detected across India. Maharashtra recorded 65 cases, the highest among all states and UTs.