The Odisha government on Tuesday announced a total ban on zero night celebrations, welcome to the New Year and similar functions on the eve of New Year 2022.
“Usually people in large number congregate in hotels, restaurants, clubs, parks and other public places on December 31 and January 1 for Zero Night Celebration/ Welcome to New Year/ similar function on the eve of New Year. Such congregations have large potential for spread of COVID-19 infections,” the Sate Special Relief Commissioner said in a statement today.
“Hence, congregation in public places including hotels, restaurants, clubs, parks, convention halls, kalyan mandaps, etc. for Zero Night Celebration/ Welcome to New Year/ similar other function on December 31, 2021 and January 1, 2022 shall remain prohibited throughout the State,” said the SRC’s December Covid-19 advisory.
The order also prohibits picnics at public places. Besides, no community feast will be allowed in public places on the occasion of Zero Night Celebration/ Welcome to New Year/ similar function on the eve of New Year.
“The people are advised to celebrate such functions at home premises avoiding mass gatherings and adhering to the COVID-19 safety protocols such as physical distancing, use of face mask/ covering and hand washing /hand sanitiser,” the SRC said.
About cracking of fireworks, the SRC said, “People are advised to use permitted green crackers during this celebration with utmost safety/ caution and not to use in public places.”