BM Bureau, Nov 5 : Expecting a second wave of COVID-19, Government of Karnataka has banned the public celebration of New Year’s Eve this year . Based on the recommendations of the Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) for COVID-19 the government is also likely to impose ban on the public celebrations and may also impose a night curfew during the last two weeks of December.
Speaking to media persons in Belagavi on Saturday, Karnataka’s Revenue Minister R Ashoka said that there will be a ban on public celebration of New Year’s Eve. Clarifying further he said that people can celebrate the New Year’s night in hotels and restaurant by observing stringent Covid norms while the SOPs should be in place.
“Based on the recommendations of the TAC and discussions with CM Yediyurappa and Home Minister Basavraj Bommai I would like to announce that there will be no public midnight celebrations on the occasion of New year’s Eve as there is a fear of second wave of Covid in January and February next year. However, people can celebrate in hotels and homes following stringent Covid norms, “ R Ashoka stated.
But when asked about a possible night curfew, he categorically denied any possibility but said that a decision in this regard would be taken next week.
However, The Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) for COVID-19 in Karnataka has recommended ban any public celebrations at least for last two weeks of this i.e. from December 20 till January 2. TAC has also strongly recommended to impose night curfew in the period.
With Christmas round the corner and Christians observing midnight mass and prayer services, there are speculations. If the night curfew is imposed, Christians may not be able to celebrate the midnight prayer services that are normally held during the midnight on December 24.