Avoid crowding; Follow Covid-19 Guidelines, Strict action will be taken against offenders

Municipal Commissioner Dr. Chahal’s Appeal to Citizens

Squads deployed at ward level to take action against violators of rules

• Strict adherence to rules regarding attendance at weddings and other ceremonies

• In confined / closed spaces, people upto 50% capacity of the place to be allowed

• In open spaces, people upto 25% capacity of the space to be allowed. If a gathering with more than 1000 people is planned, prior permission of Local Disaster Management Authority is mandatory

• Kindly follow all rules in hotels, restaurants, cinemas, malls etc.

• Avoid gatherings on Christmas & New Year

• Use a mask properly, get fully vaccinated

A new variant of the Covid-19 virus called Omicron 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 ceremonies. Hence, Municipal Commissioner Dr. Iqbal Singh Chahal has appealed to citizens to abide by the rules and guidelines laid down by the Government. Avoid any kind of crowding, wear masks and follow Covid-19 guidelines. All citizens must also get fully vaccinated.

Those violating the Covid – 19 rules will be dealt with severely by the ward level teams of the BMC as well as the Mumbai Police Administration, he added.

BMC Commissioner Dr. Chahal said that due to co-operation of all citizens, excellent management and pace of Vaccination Campaign, Covid-19 situation in the Mumbai Metropolitan area is now under control. However, due to the new virus variant Omicron, the situation in many countries of the world has once again gone out of control and has created lockdown-like situation. In order to prevent such a situation in India as well as in Maharashtra, the Central and State Governments are continuously appealing to the people and requesting them to take precaution. 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 wedding and other ceremonies. Eminent personalities, Celebrities who have an influence on the 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.

On behalf of the State Government of Maharashtra, the Chief Secretary has issued an order dated 27th November, 2021 and laid down the guidelines. The Mumbai Police has also issued notification which states that 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 the order dated 14th December, 2021. The instructions in both these orders must be followed strictly.

In the near future, risk of Covid virus spread may increase if ceremonies and functions are held on the occasions of Christmas and New Year. There is also a need to curb the growing crowd at weddings and other ceremonies. Moreover, hotels, restaurants and other public establishments have also found to be flouting Covid-19 norms. In this view, the following key guidelines must be strictly adhered to:

• *In close (indoor) halls, only 50% people of the total capacity of that halls / space must be allowed to attend the event.*
• *In open to sky spaces, only 25% people of the total capacity of the place / space must be allowed to attend the event.*
• *However, if more than 1000 people are to come together for any event at an open space, it is mandatory to get prior approval from the Local Disaster Management Authority.*
• *All hotels, restaurants, cinema halls, malls and all other government and private establishments must strictly abide by the rules regarding attendance.*
• *All eligible citizens are required to complete the vaccination process with both doses of Covid-19 vaccine. Only those who are fully vaccinated will be allowed at public places, including public transport. Strict action will be taken otherwise.*
• *Full Vaccination of all employees functioning at public places / establishments as well as all attendees at events / ceremonies is mandatory. Appropriate action will be taken against the establishment if the rule is found to be violated.*
• *Proper use of masks, hand hygiene, maintaining safe distance, regular cleaning and disinfection of all premises / rooms / toilets are must.*

BMC Commissioner Dr. Iqbal Singh Chahal has once again appealed citizens to avoid Christmas and New Year parties, and follow all Covid-19 guidelines strictly.