New Delhi: The Delhi Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) has clarified that religious places will remain open for celebrations and prayers on Christmas and New Year’s Eve, provided the COVID-19 guidelines are strictly followed during this period.
The DDMA issued an order on Thursday saying, “In view of the directions issued by DDMA on Wednesday, various persons have been asked to clarify the status of permission to celebrate Christmas festival and New Year’s eve in Delhi. Ideas are being received.”
DDMA has clarified about its order number 492 issued on December 15, saying that on the occasion of Christmas and New Year’s Eve, all religious places (temples, mosques, churches, gurudwaras, etc.) Permission had already been given.
According to the DDMA, festivals and prayers can be organized in religious places on the occasion of Christmas and New Year and people will also be allowed to enter. However, during this time all the standard operating procedures and guidelines related to COVID-19 will be strictly followed. According to the DDMA, which formulates the policies related to COVID-19 management in the national capital, no separate permission will be required for this.
The Delhi Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) on Wednesday directed the district magistrates to ensure that there is no gathering in the capital for Christmas and New Year celebrations, in view of the increasing cases of corona virus and the threat of spreading infection. According to the order, restaurants and bars have been allowed to open with 50 percent capacity. Wedding related events can be organized with a maximum presence of 200 people.
The DDMA order said, “All social/political/cultural/religious/festival gatherings are prohibited in the National Capital Territory of Delhi… All District Magistrates and DCPs shall ensure that Christmas or New Year celebrations are held in the National Capital Territory of Delhi. There should not be any cultural program/gathering/meeting to celebrate.” On Wednesday, 125 cases of corona virus were reported in Delhi, which is the highest since June 22. On June 22, 134 cases of infection were reported.
District Magistrates and Deputy Commissioners of Police (DCPs) have been directed to strengthen the enforcement mechanism to ensure that people follow social distancing and wear masks. According to the Union Health Ministry, so far 64 cases of Omicron, a new form of corona virus, have been reported in Delhi, out of which 23 people have been discharged from the hospital. Officials said that most of the patients of Omicron have been fully immunized and have mild symptoms of COVID.(agency)