Telangana HC directs State govt to impose restrictions on Christmas, NYE

 Hyderabad, December 23: Amid a spike in Omicron cases, the Telangana High Court directed the state government to impose restrictions ahead of Christmas, New year, and Makar Sankranti celebrations. The court has directed the government to issue orders in this regard within three days, 

 

 

A bench comprising Chief Justice Satish Chandra Sharma and Justice N Tukaramji directed the state government to take measures while hearing Public interest litigation (PIL) on the Covid-19 situation.

 

Observing that the Omicron variant of coronavirus is spreading fast, the high court asked the state to impose curbs on public gatherings in the wake of upcoming festivals and celebrations. The bench also directed the Telangana government to check passengers arriving in Telangana from other states. It also asked the state government to strictly follow the instructions issued by the Union health ministry on December 21.

 

 

 

Telangana has reported a total of 38 Omicron infections and one case of local transmission. According to the bulletin, 12 of the 14 cases include travellers who arrived at the international airport from countries other than those classified in danger by the Centre, while two involve travellers from "at-risk" nations.

 

The Centre has earlier announced to extend the nationwide Covid-19 containment measures till December 31 in view of the emergence of a highly mutant Covid-19 variant Omicron in some countries and asked the states to be vigilant.

 

 

In a communication, Union Home Secretary Ajay Bhalla also asked states and UTs to strictly adhere to the November 25 advisory issued by the Union Health Ministry, recommending rigorous screening and testing of all international arrivals.

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