Assam Government Issues Guidelines for New Year's Eve

GUWAHATI: The Assam government has declared a night curfew from 11.30 p.m. to 6 a.m. citing an increase in Omicron viruses across the country.

Assam has yet to disclose any Omicron variant instances that have been verified.

The new Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA) regulation came into effect on December 26 but will not apply on New Year's Eve, December 31.

All workplaces, commercial enterprises, cafés, showrooms, grocery shops, dairy and milk booths would be prohibited from remaining open after 10.30 p.m., according to the new decree. "All workplaces, business/commercial establishments, dine-in restaurants, hotels, dhabas and other eateries, the takeaway of food items from restaurants/dhabas and other eateries, opening sale counters, showrooms, etc., of cold storages and warehouses, shops dealing with groceries, fruits and vegetables, dairy and milk booths, will remain open until 10.30 p.m.," according to an ASDMA statement.

The state authorities have asked the District Disaster Management Authorities (DDMAs) to set limits on assembling in open areas in their districts based on the Covid-19 scenario. Closed venues are authorised to operate at 50% of their seating capacity under the ASDMA. 

However, there be no tolerance for drunk and driving. According to police management, there will be strict vigilance over the roads for the sake of maintaining the decorum and safety protocol. 

Also, organizations planning to host new year parties are requested to take prior permissions for the same. The government has also approved the operation of major religious organisations with 60 fully vaccinated individuals per hour, and smaller religious institutions with 40 fully vaccinated people per hour.

In the cinema hall, which will continue to operate at 50% capacity, only fully vaccinated viewers with Covid appropriate measures will be seated.

"In order to contain the Covid-19 virus, all district magistrates, Superintendents of Police, and all other authorities involved should be held accountable for implementing Covid Appropriate Behaviour in all public settings," the mandate added. According to the ASDMA, anyone caught spitting in public or not wearing a mask would be fined Rs 1,000. 

Also Read: Assam Police Destroys 15 Bighas of Cannabis Cultivation in Goalpara

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