Omicron scare: Section 144 extended in Mumbai for 14 days

With over two dozen cases of new highly-infectious Covid-19 variant Omicron, the Maharashtra government has decided to curb huge gatherings and launch crackdown against violators.

The total Omicron cases now have shot up to 32 with four new cases being reported - two from Osmanabad and one each from Mumbai and Buldhana.

The Mumbai Police has extended the 144 CrPC by another fortnight. “Section 144 will be imposed from 0001 hrs of 16 December and will be in force till 2400 hrs of 31 December,” states the order signed by deputy commissioner of police (operations) Chaitanya S.

The BrihanMumbai Municipal Corporation is also planning to have extra vigilance.

Also Read — WB reports 1st Omicron case as 7-yr-old tests positive

Meanwhile, additional municipal commissioner Suresh Kakani said that two special squads would be positioned in each of the 24 wards of the city and if need be, the strength would be doubled.

Meanwhile, Maharashtra chief minister Uddhav Thackeray is presiding over the weekly Cabinet meeting in which the Covid-19 situation and vaccination drive would be reviewed.

Meanwhile, schools in Mumbai reopened for Classes I-VII on Wednesday after more than 20 months amid a rising threat against the Omicron variant of coronavirus across the country.
“Looking at the way the Omicron variant is on the rise, no big events will be allowed,” said Mumbai City guardian minister Aslam Shaikh.

The Mumbai Police and BMC has reiterated that any persons concerned with organising any programme, service providers, visitors and guests should be fully vaccinated. All shops, malls, events, and gatherings must be manned by fully vaccinated persons and only vaccinated persons would be allowed. For closed/open space, only 50 per cent capacity would be allowed.

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