Fact Check: Is Centre planning to impose nationwide lockdown from 31 Dec to 1 Jan? Not yet
A Telugu post claiming that the Central government is planning to impose a nationwide lockdown on 31 December and 1 January is going viral.
By Newsmeter Network Published on 17 Dec 2021 5:57 PM IST
Hyderabad: A Telugu post claiming that the Central government is planning to impose a nationwide lockdown on 31 December and 1 January is going viral. The viral post claims that in view of the New Year celebrations and to prevent the spread of the Omicron virus, the government might impose a lockdown for two days across the country.
The post claims that celebrating New Year in groups of four could lead to the spread of the Omicron virus. It further says schools will reopen on 3 January 2022.
Fact Check
The Central government has not taken any steps to impose a nationwide lockdown on 31 December and 1 January.
NewsMeter checked the official government website of Circulars for COVID-19 and did not find any government order stating a nationwide lockdown on 31 December and 1 January. The latest GO was issued on 28 August and no updates have been added since. Also, no such announcements were tweeted by any official persons either.
Although the Central government has not yet made plans to impose a lockdown, several state governments have started imposing restrictions and may independently consider imposing lockdowns depending on the situation.
These are the states that have imposed restrictions in view of the rise in COVID-19 cases:
Delhi: Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal was reported saying that Delhi is prepared to impose restrictions if the need arises. He said that if required, restrictions will be imposed but currently there is no need for any restrictions. The Delhi Disaster Management Authority extended its COVID-19-related curbs till 31 December midnight. (Source: Live Mint and India.com)
Tamil Nadu: The state has imposed lockdown restrictions since 30 November that will continue till 31 December. Beaches in the state will be closed on New Year's Eve and New Year's Day to prevent the spread of COVID-19. (Source: Times of India)
Karnataka: Karnataka's COVID-19 Technical Advisory Committee has suggested that the government consider imposing a lockdown in districts if the weekly test positivity rate goes beyond 5% and occupancy of oxygen beds goes up to 60%. (Source: The Hindu)
West Bengal: The state government has extended the COVID-19 restrictions till 15 January. However, it relaxed a few restrictions between 11 p.m and 5 a.m from 24 December to 1 January. (Source: ANI News)
Mumbai: The Mumbai police have imposed Section 144 across the city from 16 to 31 December. The section prohibits large gatherings at one spot and holding of public meetings, among other things. (Source: Business Standard)
Puducherry: The lockdown has been extended till 2 January 2022. The night curfew will be in force from 11 p.m to 5 a.m every day. However, the night curfew will be relaxed completely on 24, 25, 30, and 31 December and on 1 January up to 2 a.m. (Source: Deccan Chronicle)
So, while some state governments have started imposing restrictions and may independently consider imposing lockdowns depending on the situation, the Central government has not yet made a decision to impose a nationwide lockdown on 31 December and 1 January.
