Night curfew extended in Jaipur till January 1; New Year parties banned

Jaipur: The Rajasthan government has imposed curfew from 8 pm on December 31 to 6 am on January 1. The restrictions have been imposed keeping in view the COVID-19 situation in the state. The officials said that since the curfew will be in effect, New Year parties, gatherings and other functions will not be allowed. The people will have to celebrate the New Year indoors.

The home department issued an amended order in this regard. The night curfew was already in effect, but it was to come to an end on the midnight of December 31. The curfew has now been extended to 6 am. Many pubs and hotels were planning parties in Jaipur as they believed the curfew will end on the midnight of December 31.

“The orders will be effective in urban places with a population of more than 1 lakh. Most smaller towns and cities will also come under the purview of these orders,” said a senior home department officer.

He added the curfew will be implemented strictly in all the cities including Jaipur and a legal action will be initiated against people who violate these orders. All the commercial establishments will need to close by 7 pm on December 31.

Rajasthan chief minister Ashok Gehlot had earlier requested people to celebrate New Year at home with their family members. He pleaded that the people should avoid crowded places and parties as it could lead to a spike in COVID-19 cases.