Is New Year Celebration Allowed In Bengaluru? What Are The NYE Guidelines 2023?

The Karnataka health department issued guidelines for New Year celebrations across the state amid a rise in Covid-19 infections linked to a new variant, JN.1.

The state identified 34 cases of the JN.1 variant, with Bengaluru city accounting for 20 cases, followed by four in Mysuru, three in Mandya, and one each in Ramanagara, Bengaluru Rural, Kodagu, and Chamarajanagar.

In a circular dated Monday, the health department clarified that while JN.1 is currently classified as a Variant of Interest (VoI) by WHO and the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, it's not considered a Variant of Concern (VoC). The circular emphasized avoiding unnecessary panic and restrictions among the public.

However, in view of the prevailing COVID-19 situation in the state, the health department provided precautionary guidance recommended by the Technical Advisory Committee (TAC):

• Elderly individuals (aged 60 and above), those with comorbidities (especially kidney, heart, liver ailments), pregnant women, and lactating mothers are advised to refrain from visiting enclosed, poorly ventilated spaces, and crowded areas. When outdoors, wearing masks covering nose and mouth is strongly advised.
• For New Year celebrations, adherence to COVID Appropriate Behavior (CAB), including social distancing, mask-wearing, hand sanitization, and respiratory hygiene, is essential. Individuals with respiratory symptoms should avoid festive venues and recreational areas (such as swimming pools) and seek medical advice.

The circular mentioned that additional measures might be recommended based on the evolving situation in the upcoming days.

On Monday, Karnataka reported 125 new COVID-19 infections along with three additional fatalities.