On Tuesday, the Karnataka government declared curbs on mass gatherings ahead of Christmas and New Year. This is in the wake of the fears of an Omicron-induced wave. Hotels, pubs, restaurants have to operate at 50% capacity. Only those employees who have taken both doses of vaccine can be employed during the period.

On Wednesday, Delhi joined the league by banning Christmas and New Year gatherings. "Amid the Omicron scare, DDMA today directed district magistrates to ensure no gathering takes place in Delhi for Christmas, New Year celebrations," reported PTI. Delhi has witnessed an increase in the Test Positivity Rate and Rt value this week. After a gap of months, more than 100 cases were reported twice this week.

In Bengaluru, where New Year revelry is usually high, efforts are being made by the Banglore Municipal Corporation to enhance surveillance. From effective tracing, tracking to the quarantine of primary and secondary contacts, from triaging of infected persons to other measures, a wide variety of steps have been taken up.