Gujarat tightens curbs as COVID-19 cases continue to rise

With COVID-19 cases continuing to skyrocket in Gujarat, the state government, on Tuesday, announced stricter restrictions on social, political, religious, cultural and educational gatherings.

Instead of the earlier 400, only 150 persons will be allowed now from January 12-22, both indoors and outdoors. If the gathering is indoors, the capacity has to be 50 per cent of the space, but maximum 150.

The decision was taken at a core committee meeting presided over by Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel.

It is likely to hit the public hard during this marriage season.

The decision comes on a day when Gujarat recorded 7,476 new cases in last 24 hours ending at 5pm. Three deaths and over 37,000 active cases were reported. Omicron cases tally stands at 264.

Ahmedabad municipal limits has 2,861 cases - the highest - followed by Surat municipal limits with 1,988. Vadodara municipal limits recorded 551 cases.

Recently, the biennial Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit 2022, which was to be inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, was postponed. The state government also increased the night curfew timings in big cities by one hour.

Ahmedabad Hospitals and Nursing Homes Association (AHNA) had recently appealed to people to stay away from gatherings for a month.

AHNA president Dr Bharat Ghadavi said that the situation in Ahmedabad is under control as far as hospitalisation is concerned. He said that there are about 125 patients in private hospitals, and added that they are well equipped to handle any spike in cases.