Shruti Suman
Due to the surge in COVID-19 cases in Karnataka, the state government has enforced restrictions for New Year’s Eve. Rigorous security measures have been implemented to ensure the safety of both residents and tourists. The government is particularly focused on curbing drink-driving on December 31.
These guidelines follow the detection of 34 cases of the JN.1 variant in the state, with 20 cases reported in Bengaluru city, four in Mysuru, three in Mandya, and one each in Ramanagara, Bengaluru Rural, Kodagu, and Chamarajanagar.
The order clarified that the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Government of India, currently classify JN.1 as a Variant of Interest (VoI) and not a Variant of Concern (VoC). However, precautionary measures are advised in light of the current COVID-19 scenario in the state.
Key guidelines include the deployment of 5200 constables, 1800 head constables, 600 Assistant Sub Inspectors, 600 Sub Inspectors, 160 Inspectors, 45 Assistant Commissioners of Police, 15 Deputy Commissioners of Police, 1 Joint Commissioner of Police, and 2 Additional Commissioners of Police at strategic locations. Additionally, a “Women Safety Island” has been designated to provide a secure space for women during New Year’s Eve celebrations.
To manage crowds, all parties in the city, including those in hotels, clubs, and pubs, must conclude by 1 AM. The city police department has set up 48 checkpoints at various locations, and popular areas like MG Road, Residency Road, and Church Street will be vehicle-free from 8:00 PM on December 31. And all flyovers in the city will be closed from the night 11 PM to the morning 6 AM.
Hotels, clubs, and pubs are required to maintain records of customer details, including names, ages, and phone numbers. While a Cabinet Sub-Committee on Covid, led by State Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao, and the Technical Advisory Committee have met to review the situation, no immediate imposition of further restrictions has been announced. The health minister urged caution, stating that decisions would be made based on the results of increased testing and any subsequent rise in positive cases.
NI Bureau
