Omicron Scare: Tamil Nadu Imposes Curbs On New Year's Eve, Health Minister Appeals To People To Get Vaccinated

Health Minister Ma Subramanian revealed that there are so far 45 Omicron cases in the state and those who are infected are all asymptomatic and had been fully vaccinated

Tamil Nadu Health Minister Ma Subramanian. (Image: Twitter/ANI)

New Delhi: There is still no respite from Covid as the cases are growing and this year New Year's Eve too, like last year, people are restricted to celebrate and welcome the new year with complete freedom due to the rising threat from Omicron triggered the third wave.

In this context, Tamil Nadu has imposed fresh curbs to keep the virus at bay. Speaking to the media in Chennai, Health Minister Ma Subramanian revealed that there are so far 45 Omicron cases in the state and those who are infected are all asymptomatic and had been fully vaccinated. Further talking about the restrictions, he said the Tamil Nadu police has imposed fresh curbs on New Year's celebrations in hotels and public places. 

The health minister also appealed to people to get innoculated at the mega vaccination camp to be held across the state on Sunday (January 2). "We appeal to the public to get vaccinated at the mega vaccination camp being held across the State this Sunday. 1600 vaccination sites are being set up in Chennai alone. Our target is to vaccinate 2.5 lakh people in a single day," he told ANI news agency.

Here are the restrictions for New Year's Eve in Tamil Nadu:

• The public is not allowed to gather on the beaches of Tamil Nadu on New Year's Eve night for celebrations. Everyone is asked to celebrate with their family at home.
• Drunk and Drive on New Year's Eve evening could be tough to deal with as vehicle-inspection to get intensified and if anyone found to be violating regulations would end up behind bars and their vehicles would be confiscated.
• Long-distance travellers are recommended to travel in trains and buses and avoid travelling through two-wheelers.
• Large gatherings at the places of worship to be monitored by the authorities
• Hotels and accommodation are to be operated till 11 PM as per the Covid guidelines.
• People who disturb peace in public places will have to face stern action from the police
• Those in need of emergency assistance are requested to contact 100,112 and use the KAVALAN - SOS (Guardian SOS).