Avoid Christmas and New Year gatherings, Telangana officials advise

The Health Department issued an advisory urging people to avoid mass gatherings for Christmas and New Year’s Eve celebrations.

Hyderabad: The Covid-19 pandemic continues to cast its shadow over religious festivities and celebrations in Telangana.

On Tuesday, the Health Department issued an advisory urging people to avoid mass gatherings for Christmas and New Year’s Eve celebrations.

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Compared to other States, Covid-19 infections were less and under control in Telangana. “However, at this critical juncture when there is a possibility of a new strain of coronavirus becoming active, it will be a better option to only celebrate Christmas, New Year’s Eve and Sankranti festivals with close relatives,” Director of Public Health Dr G Srinivasa Rao, said.

“Much to their credit, people of the State have so far responded positively to all our advisories. This is not an ideal time to celebrate New Year with strangers and it’s better to attend celebrations and festivals amongst close relatives,” he said.

Fearing a fresh surge in cases of Covid-19 infections, many States have already banned New Year’s Eve parties. “The State government will take a call on banning such celebrations. From the Health Department side, we urge people to avoid mass gatherings at any cost till Sankranti festival,” he said

Health authorities said events like community feasts, gatherings like mass in religious places and parties, must be avoided at all costs.

“It is the young people who tend to come out for New Year celebrations. In case, such individuals come in contact with asymptomatic Covid positive patients, they will get infected and go back home and infect senior members of the family. Such situations should be avoided at all costs,” Dr Rao said.

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