Celebrations in areas like MG Road and Brigade Road are prohibited to avoid crowds and large gatherings.
The Karnataka government issued orders banning club parties in Bangalore on New Year’s Eve on Thursday. The government order also called for strict safety rules to be put in place during Christmas celebrations in the city amid the COVID-19 pandemic. From December 30 to January 2, clubs in the state, including the capital city of Bengaluru, will not be able to host DJ nights or dance parties as in previous years. However, they can remain open as usual, said the order signed by Karnataka’s chief secretary, TM Vijay Bhaskar.
The order added that Christmas celebrations must be carried out by imposing strict physical distancing and the use of masks. Shopping malls, restaurants and other establishments in the city will also need to monitor the temperatures of people who enter.
Earlier, Karnataka Health Minister Sudhakar K had said that public gatherings from December 20 to January 2 will be restricted to 200 people. He added that it is for religious gatherings, political gatherings, marriages and Christmas celebrations and that residents of the state must celebrate safely.
“New Year’s Eve celebrations in public places and main streets like MG Road and Brigade Road in the city center are prohibited to prevent overcrowding and avoid large gatherings, which pose a risk of spreading the infection,” Sudhakar said.
“Citizens can have the New Year’s Eve party in their homes and residential areas by wearing masks, maintaining physical distance and disinfecting their hands to ensure their safety in times of pandemic,” Sudhakar added.
Meanwhile, orders issued during Diwali specifying the use of green cookies will run through Christmas and New Years.
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