The Karnataka government on Monday issued Covid guidelines for new year celebrations, making masks mandatory for all.
“The Covid preventive and precautionary measures in the state will be implemented in a phased manner without affecting the common public and economic activity,” said Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai.
“Masks have been made mandatory inside theatres, schools, and colleges. Masks will be mandatory to celebrate the New Year in pubs, restaurants, and bars. New Year celebrations must end before 1 am. No need to panic, have to take precautions.” Karnataka Health Minister Keshava Sudhakar said.
“The government will ramp up the booster dose, tests for influenza-like illness (ILI) and severe acute respiratory infections (SARI), and implement mask mandate and other preventive steps in a phased manner,” Mr.Bommai said.
Children, pregnant women, and senior citizens are not allowed during the celebrations and must follow Covid guidelines.
“It is in the interest of their health and well-being we have barred the entry of children, pregnant women, and senior citizens to any celebration party at hotels, clubs, and resorts,” Revenue Minister said.
The Health Minister issued an advisory for all the employees of pubs, clubs, hotels, restaurants, and resorts to be vaccinated with two doses of the Covid-19 vaccine. Those who visit these places must also be vaccinated with two doses of the Covid-19 vaccine.
The authorities clarified that there would not be any fine or punishment for not wearing a mask.