Indian government has not re-imposed a lockdown, but New Year celebrations, including public and social gatherings, have been banned in many cities.
The New Year 2021 celebrations have been banned in several cities across India amid the rising COVID-19 cases. Bans are applicable in some cities, which are significantly under night curfew because of the pandemic. On Dec. 14, the Himachal Pradesh government said that there would be no public New Year celebrations in Shimla, Kullu, Kangra, and Mandi. The state government has imposed the night curfew in the four districts till Jan. 5. Ahmedabad Police said that since a night curfew is in place to contain the outbreak, there will be no parties on Dec. 31. The necessary precautions will be in place as there is uncertainty over the COVID-19 vaccine.
The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) issued an order with guidelines for surveillance, containment, and caution, which will be effective from Dec. 1, and remain in force up to Dec. 31, 2020. The order said that local district, police, and municipal authorities should ensure that the prescribed containment measures are rigorously followed. State/UT governments shall ensure the officers' accountability in this regard. The national directives for COVID-19 management shall be followed throughout the country's local restrictions, and the use of Aarogya Setu was encouraged.
The COVID-19 pandemic has given rise to a lot of potentially dangerous misinformation. For reliable advice on COVID-19 including symptoms, prevention and available treatment, please refer to the World Health Organisation or your national healthcare authority.
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