In a bid to prevent the spread of the Omicron variant,
section 144 has been imposed in Mumbai for the next 48 hours by the Deputy
Commissioner of Police (operational). This step has been taken to prevent mass
gatherings of people as well as vehicles.
"It has been issued to prevent danger to human life
from the new Omicron variant of COVID-19 as well as a threat to the law and
order situation against the backdrop of violence that took place in Amravati,
Malegaon, and Nanded," said the Deputy Commissioner of police.
Maharashtra reported 7 new cases of omicron variant
including one-and-a-half year baby taking a total number of omicron cases in
Maharashtra to 17 making it the state with highest number of new variant cases
in India.
According to the Mumbai Police sources, this step has
been taken for mainly two reasons.
The first reason was a rally planned by the All India
Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) party due to which several workers arrived
in Mumbai. The Police have not given permission to hold the rally but AIMIM has
decided to move ahead with it anyway. The second reason includes the protests
planned by BJP against a statement by Sanjay Raut.
Maharashtra reported Seven Omicron Cases on Friday
including three from Mumbai and four from Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal
Corporation, apprised the state health department on Friday.
According to the health department, three patients from
Mumbai were all males and were recent travelers from Tanzania, the UK, and
South Africa-Nairobi. Out of seven, four were fully vaccinated and were
asymptomatic while the other three had mild symptoms.