With the festival and wedding season in full swing and a gradual increase in the number of Omicron cases, the Mumbai civic authorities on Saturday came out with new guidelines and instructions to be followed by citizens. Squads have been deployed at the ward level to take action against violators of rules.

Municipal commissioner Iqbal Singh Chahal has appealed to the citizens to avoid gatherings on Christmas and New Year, not to flout Covid appropriate behaviour (CAB), get fully vaccinated and abide by the rules and guidelines laid down by the government.

Issuing a statement, Chahal said that the Omicron variant is spreading rapidly around the world putting a strain on the health system. Despite repeated appeals by the government and administration to prevent a probable third wave it has been observed that guidelines are not being followed properly in most places especially in wedding ceremonies and other ceremonial occasions.

He added that due to Omicron, the situation in many countries has once again gone out of control and has created a lockdown-like situation. “To prevent a similar situation in India as well as in Maharashtra, the centre and state governments are continuously appealing to the people and requesting them to take precautions. The BMC administration has also appealed to Mumbaikars to be vigilant.

“However, it has been noticed that the appeal did not receive appropriate and expected response. It has also been noticed that rules are being broken especially during weddings and other ceremonies. Eminent personalities and celebrities who have an influence on society also need to be aware of the issues and act accordingly. The administration has decided to take stringent action against those who flout Covid-19 guidelines,” said the BMC commissioner.

He added that hotels, restaurants, and other public establishments have also been found flouting covid-19 norms.

Guidelines

1. In closed halls/ space - Only 50% people of the total capacity of hall/space allowed in indoor space.

2. In open to sky spaces- only 25% people of the total capacity of the place/ space to be allowed. If more than 1000 people are to come together for any event at an open space mandatory prior approval from the local disaster management authority is required.

3. All hotels, restaurants, cinema halls, malls, other government and private establishments to strictly abide by the rules regarding attendance.

4. All eligible citizens to complete the vaccination process with both doses of Covid-19 vaccine.

5. Only fully vaccinated citizens will be allowed at public places and on public transport. Strict action will be taken on unvaccinated people.

6. Mandatory full vaccination of all employees functioning at public places and establishments as well as all attendees at events/ceremonies. Action to be taken against establishments flouting the rule.

7. Mandatory proper use of masks, hand hygiene, maintaining of safe distance, regular cleaning and disinfection of all premises rooms/ toilets.

Ward level squads have been deployed to take action against violators.

Earlier, the Maharashtra chief secretary issued an order dated 27th November laying down the guidelines. The Mumbai Police too has issued a notification stating action will be taken against the violators as per the Indian Penal Code as well as the Epidemic Diseases Act and National Disaster Management Act as per its order dated 14th December.

Chahal also praised the citizens for their cooperation and said that due to active participation of all citizens, excellent management and pace of vaccination campaign, the covid-19 situation in Mumbai metropolitan area is now under control.