The Telangana Raj Bhavan today announced that it would not be hosting its annual New Year open house, organised as part of the state's New Year celebrations, for 2021.
The decision was taken in view of the prevailing Covid-19 situation as the open house draws large crowds of people, including various eminent personalities of the state, who come to exchange pleasantries with the Governor.
The presence of such large crowds could make the implementation of social distancing norms at the event a challenge.
It has therefore been decided that Governor Tamilisai Soundararajan will interact with the people through a phone-in program on the occasion instead.
Those who wish to greet the Governor on New Year's Day can call 040-23310521 between 10 am and 11 am on January 1 (Friday).
The Telangana administration has also been taking various other measures in order to impose restrictions on private and public New Year events this year as such gatherings have the potential to become super spreader events for Covid-19. Just a few days ago, Cyberabad Commissioner of Police V C Sajjanar announced that the residents of the area would
not be allowed to hold big parties to celebrate New Year eve.
Other big cities across the country, including Mumbai, Delhi and Benguluru, have also announced that night curfews would be implemented on New Year eve this year in order to curb any additional spread of Covid-19.