WEB DESK
Restrictions have been imposed in many parts of the world on New Year festivities as many countries struggle to curb new spikes in Coronavirus cases. Firework displays and other public gatherings have been cancelled from Sydney to New York. Festivities are being particularly muted in Europe, amid fears over a new strain of the disease.
One of the first nations to ring in the New Year is Australia. The Sydney fireworks display is going ahead, but crowds are not allowed to gather on the city’s harbour to enjoy it. The foreshore, parks and beaches have been shut down to stem the spread of COVID-19 with police and security patrolling. Most Sydney residents will simply watch the pyrotechnics on TV at home, where gatherings are limited to five guests.
In China, the annual New Year light show in the Capital Beijing has been called off.
Japan has cancelled a traditional New Year event at which Emperor Naruhito and other imperial family members were to greet people.
However in New Zealand, New Year’s Eve plans will be held as usual.
In France, the government has ordered a visible security presence in urban areas from this evening, when the curfew begins.
Germany is currently under lockdown until 10 January. The government has imposed tight restrictions on the number of people who can gather in public.
In the US, restrictions have been placed on festivities in many states and cities. In New York, the illuminated Times Square Ball will be dropped during the traditional countdown to midnight, but the area will not be open to the public.
More than 1.8m people have died with the virus across the world since the start of the pandemic a year ago.