Several states announced containment measures and measures to contain Covid ahead of Christmas and New Years, amid growing concerns about the spread of the Omicron variant. The recent surge in total new infections in Delhi and Mumbai has heightened the alarm.

Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra and Haryana announced nightly curfews and other restrictions on Friday. Odisha, Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka, Gujarat and West Bengal had already announced restrictions.

Uttarakhand said it could impose a night curfew and other restrictions. The measures are intended to mute Christmas and New Year celebrations.

Maharashtra announced a 9:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. curfew and banned any gathering of five or more people in the state in public places after the number of cases rose sharply.

Weddings, other events

The number of people at weddings and social, political or religious events has been limited to 100 indoors and 250 or 25% capacity at open air events, whichever is lower.

Cinemas, restaurants, fitness studios, spas and lecture halls can be used up to 50%. For sports, events and competitions, the number of spectators is limited to 25% of the total capacity. Maharashtra recorded 20 new Omicron cases on Friday.

Early on Friday, Uttar Pradesh announced a night curfew from 11 p.m. to 5 a.m. from December 25 and limited the number of guests at weddings and other public events to 200. Those who organize such events must also inform the local administration.

In addition, a mask requirement was introduced in shops and on the street. Individuals arriving from other states or overseas should be tracked down and tested, the state said.

Haryana announced a curfew from 11 p.m. to 5 a.m. and limited gatherings to 50% capacity with a maximum of 200 people indoors and 300 in open spaces. Restaurants, bars, spas, gyms, and movie theaters can function with people who follow the norms of social distancing.

Delhi and Mumbai see great

Delhi recorded 180 new Covid cases on Friday, up from 69 a week ago. Mumbai’s cases more than doubled in three days from 327 on Tuesday to 683 on Friday.

India counted 358 Omicron cases in 17 states and union territories on Thursday. 114 of them had recovered. Maharashtra had the highest number of Omicron cases, followed by Delhi, Telangana, and Tamil Nadu. However, the general Covid situation continues to improve. The total number of active cases, an indicator of the pandemic situation, continued to decline to 77,516 on Thursday, although major metros continue to see spikes.

Madhya Pradesh announced a six-hour curfew on Thursday and urged people to follow Covid protocols. On Tuesday, Karnataka banned mass gatherings and New Year celebrations. Odisha has placed restrictions on Christmas celebrations and banned New Year celebrations.

West Bengal has extended its Covid restrictions to January 15, although some easings were allowed for Christmas and New Years between December 24 and January 1.

Delhi has banned all social, political, sporting, entertainment, cultural and religious gatherings.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi took stock of the readiness for Covid in the course of the Omicron spread on Thursday.

“Our focus is on expanding the health infrastructure, testing, tracking and ensuring full vaccination coverage,” he tweeted.