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The decision to reimpose the curfew was taken by a high power committees in the states after concern was expressed over a new strain of coronavirus disease that was recently detected in the UK.

"In view of the new strain of the Covid-19 virus and as per the advice of the Government of India and Technical Advisory Committee, it is decided to impose night curfew from today till January 2, 2021 between 10 pm and 6 am. It will be applicable for the entire state. I request public to cooperate to prevent and contain the new Covid-19 strain," he said.

The new restrictions are likely to cloud the Christmas and New Year celebrations. "Between December 23 and January 2, no event or festive celebration is allowed to take place after 10 pm. It applies to every kind of event," Dr K Sudhakar told reporters today when asked if Christmas celebrations would be allowed on Friday.

On Monday, Maharashtra announced an 11 PM to 6 AM night curfew till January 5 in Mumbai and other cities, a day after Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray said he was against a night curfew although experts had recommended it.

Deputy chief minister Lakshman Savadi, who also holds the transport portfolio, said that state-run bus corporations have put in place an action plan to ensure that they don’t violate the night curfew.