Due to the rampant rise of COVID threat across the country, the Uttar Pradesh administration has imposed a night curfew in Lucknow, Kanpur and all other districts, effective December 25. As per orders, movement will be restricted from 11 PM to 5 AM, every day until further orders.

All district magistrates across UP have been directed to maintain heavy vigil, to prevent an infection spike during the holiday season. These restrictive measures will help the administration impose all COVID norms strictly, to avert the possibility of an emergent 'third wave'.

Passes for midnight mass to limit people at Lucknow Churches

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Amid the looming fear of Omicron transmission, a number of Christmas celebrations have been called off at public places. Accordingly, mass gatherings at churches, clubs and hotels have also been restricted to maximise caution against the mutant virus spread. In Lucknow, Father Donald HR D'Souza, chancellor and spokesperson, Catholic Diocese said, "In view of the situation, a limited number of people, mainly the Parish members, will participate in the Midnight Holy Mass and also in the day services on December 25."

He said, "At St Joseph's Cathedral, passes have been issued to members for the mass, which will be held in staggered timings to restrict the numbers. A few churches are encouraging people to attend virtual prayer services."

Limited celebrations allowed with compliance to COVID norms

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As per reports, many clubs and hotels across Lucknow, Kanpur and other districts of UP have decided not to host any Yuletide or NYE bash in order to keep the situation under control. A maximum of 200 persons is allowed at marriages and social functions. Sandeep Das, honorary secretary, Lucknow Golf Club, said "We have decided to call off Christmas and New Year celebrations keeping in mind the safety of members and their families, especially since children have not been vaccinated."

Echoing this, Shabahat Hussain of Hotel Taj Vivanta, said, "We have decided to give importance to the health and safety of people. That is why we are not going to organise any programmes on Christmas and New Year's eve this year." However, a few celebrations are permitted at malls and a few hotels in compliance with COVID protocols. However, a few celebrations are permitted at malls and a few hotels in compliance with COVID protocols.

Check posts & barricades to be set up on roads

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Lucknow Commissioner of Police DK Thakur said police officials had been issued directives to curb Christmas and New Year revelry. "Anyone violating Covid protocol would be penalised. Check posts and barricades will be set up on roads, especially near bars, clubs and lounges, to check people who may be driving in an inebriated state."

Tight security will be deployed at malls and crowded places to avert untoward incidents. Extra police will be stationed in the east and the northern regions of the city that house the maximum number of clubs, lounges and malls, he added.

Police to mark COVID sensitive areas as Red Zones

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Divisional Commissioner Ranjan Kumar said, "The situation is being monitored round the clock to ensure Covid appropriate behaviour on important days like Christmas and New Year's eve. We have also deployed a team of doctors and other staff at Integrated Covid Control and Command Centre to keep a watch over the situation."

COVID sensitive regions have been marked as Red-Zones for better implementation of pandemic protocols, Kumar stated adding, "The administration will issue orders accordingly, in case of any untoward situation. People are requested to follow strict Covid guidelines and maintain social distancing."