Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government has prohibited congregation in public places for Zero Night Celebration on December 31 and January 1, 2021 throughout the State in view of Covid-19 pandemic.
"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 31st December, 2020 and 1st January, 2021 shall remain prohibited throughout the State," said an official letter issued by the office of the Special Relief Commissioner.
"Usually people in large number congregate in hotels, restaurants, clubs, parks and other public places on 31st December and 1st January for Zero Night Celebration/ Welcome to New Year/ similar function on the eve of new year," the letter undersigned by Chief Secretary Asit Tripathy stated.
The decision to prohibit such activities has been taken in public interest as such congregations have large potential for spread of COVID-19 infections, it added.
The circular further stated that the State is passing through a critical stage of COVID-19 pandemic and it is necessary to strictly adhere to COVID-19 safety protocols for containment of spread of the infection.
In view of the new variant of SARS- CoV 2 virus which is spreading and growing rapidly in United Kingdom (UK), the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare (MoHFW) has issued SOP for stringent Epidemiological Surveillance and Response.
Any person found violating this order shall be punished under the provisions of the Disaster Management Act, 2005 and other relevant laws, the letter added.
(Edited By Suryakant Jena)