Christmas & and New Year celebrations guidelines by Karnataka Govt

• Special DJ events, dance parties and other celebrations between December 30 and January 2 Banned
• Children below ten years and persons above 65 years should stay home
• Church congregations must strictly adhere to social-distancing and enforce the use of sanitisers and masks.

In view of the novel coronavirus pandemic, the Government of Karnataka on 17/12/2020 issued guidelines for Christmas and New Year celebrations in the state.

Strict safety rules would be implemented during the Christmas and New Year celebrations in the state amid the COVID-19 pandemic. No city in Karnataka will be allowed to hold DJ parties or dance parties from December 30 to January 2. However, the pubs and bars will be open as usual as per the order signed by Karnataka Chief Secretary T M Vijay Bhaskar.

The government also banned handshakes and hugs to minimize the spread of Covid-19. Church congregations must strictly adhere to social-distancing and enforce the use of sanitizers and masks.

The order added that Christmas celebrations should be held, but strict physical distancing and mask rules must be followed. Restaurants and other establishments will also have to screen temperatures of people who enter.

The Government has strictly banned organising special parties, DJ parties in clubs, pubs and restaurants from Dec. 30 to Jan. 2 fearing crowding of people. However, there will be no restriction on opening of clubs, pubs and restaurants as usual but it was mandatory to follow the safety protocol. Owners must ensure following of COVID-19 guidelines such as wearing mask, using hand sanitiser and social distancing in party places.

To check crowding of party buffs, the owners must go for pre-booking of seats through online or token system. Even entry of people must be through queue system.

Children below ten years and persons above 65 years should stay home. Senior citizens over 65 and children under the age of 10 are not to visit public places.

The safety protocol was also applicable for parties hosted in open spaces and Group Housing Apartment Complexes. Crowding of people on streets, important public places without maintaining social distancing has been strictly banned.

The Deputy Commissioners and Police Commissioners are given powers to impose additional restrictions in their respective districts and cities depending upon the situation.

Individuals acting in contravention of directions will be prosecuted under the provisions of the Disaster Management Act, 2005, plus legal action under Section 188 of the Indian Penal Code.