After Delhi, Kerala to impose night curfew ahead of New Year's

A four-day night curfew will come into effect from Thursday (December 30) to Sunday (January 2) and any New Year's celebrations will not be allowed past 10PM, the Kerala government announced on Monday. Shops and restaurants will be not be allowed to operate between the time frame of 10PM to 5AM.

During a COVID-19 review meeting presided over by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Monday, it was decided that New Year's celebrations would not be allowed after 10 PM on December 31 and the seating capacity in bars, clubs, hotels, restaurants and eateries will remain at 50%, a release from the government said. Beaches are also included.

The national capital of Delhi had also imposed a similar night curfew following an explosion of Covid cases in the city as well as the central government's warning that the new Omicron variant may be much more transmissible than previous iterations of the virus.

Currently, Kerala's Omicron infection tally stands at 57. During the announcement of restriction, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan emphasised that the state was adequately prepared to meet any third wave of infection. 98% of the above aged 18 years population have taken the first dose of Covid vaccine, and 77% have taken both the doses.

He also announced the beginning of the vaccination drive for schoolchildren aged 15-17 beginning January 3, in line with the announcement made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi last week. 1636 people tested postive for Covid-19 in Kerala on Monday, with 23 deaths reported.