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With a surge in COVID cases and deaths that are being linked to the second wave of the pandemic, the country recorded 46,951 infections – the highest so far in the last four and a half months. India is witnessing a sudden spike in Coronavirus cases and deaths. IndiaToday reports that on March 22, the Health Ministry stated that Maharashtra, Punjab, Kerala, Karnataka, Gujarat, and Madhya Pradesh are exhibiting a steep rise in daily cases.
Keeping in mind the severe risk that festive gatherings pose, several states are implementing stringent COVID-19-related restrictions in a bid to curb the spread of the infection. Amid other prohibitory laws, many cities like Raipur, Ranchi, Ghaziabad, Lucknow, and Noida have now been subjected to section 144.
From banning public gatherings to strict protocols directed towards Holi festivities, here’s a list of measures being taken by different Indian states to curb the surge:
DELHI
Over 1,000 new coronavirus infections were reported in the national capital the last week. In view of the rising COVID-19 cases, the Delhi government has banned all gatherings on the occasions of Holi, Navaratri, and Shab-e-Barat, an official order said on March 23.
The Delhi Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) has warned of penal action against those found flouting the government order barring congregations on the upcoming festive occasions.
Apart from banning congregations and public celebrations, the Delhi government has also decided to conduct random testing for COVID-19 at the airport, railway stations and bus stops, reported PTI.
MUMBAI
Amid reports of 3,514 cases and 8 deaths, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), on March 23, announced that Holi celebrations will not be permitted in both private and public places. The circular released by the BMC said that considering the surge in cases and in view to avoid any crowding in the city, ‘Holi Dahan’ or the burning of Holi fire on March 28 and ‘Rangpanchmi’ celebrations on March 29 will not be allowed. As per the order by BMC commissioner Iqbal Singh Chahal, all public celebrations and gatherings/congregations during upcoming festivities are to banned.
A night curfew has been imposed in different of parts of Maharashtra like Pune, Aurangabad, Nanded, Osmanabad, Palghar, Nashik and Jalgaon from March 28, says Hindustan Times.
CHANDIGARH
As per IndiaToday, the Chandigarh administration announced to shut down all schools and colleges till March 31. The officials also said that all public Holi-Milan gatherings will be banned. The decisions were taken by the Governor of Punjab and Chandigarh Administrator VP Singh Badnore. Clubs, hotels, and restaurants will also not allow any ceremonial gatherings for Holi. The residents must celebrate Holi at home while following appropriate COVID-19 protocols. Meanwhile, as per the latest protocol, all restaurants will shut down by 11 pm.
ODISHA
On March 26, the state government banned celebrations of Dolayatra and Holi in public places on March 28 and 29 to prevent the possible spread of the deadly virus as reported by IndiaToday. As per reports, the order issued by chief secretary Suresh Chandra Mohapatra stated, “People may celebrate Holi with family members in their houses only and not in public places including roads. Collectors and municipal commissioners may impose further restrictions as desirable in consideration of local situations.”
The government will only allow ‘Holika Dahan’, a pyre lighting ritual symbolizing the victory of good over evil on the eve of Holi, that too with a limited number of people in housing societies and villages.
— – Nitin Patel, Deputy Chief Minister, Gujarat
GUJARAT
Due to the sudden surge in the Coronavirus cases in the state, the Gujarat government, on March 21, said permission won’t be granted for Holi celebrations says IndiaToday. According to the reports, Deputy Chief Minister Nitin Patel said that the government will only allow ‘Holika Dahan’, a pyre lighting ritual symbolizing the victory of good over evil on the eve of Holi, that too with a limited number of people in housing societies and villages.
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