New Year celebrations across the world amid COVID-19 pandemic- In Pics
Sorrow for the dead and dying, fear of more infections to come and hopes for an end to the coronavirus pandemic were again the bittersweet cocktail with which the world said good riddance to 2021 and ushered in 2022. Here is a collection pictures of New Year celebrations from across the world
The mostly muted New Year's Eve celebrations around the world ushered in the fourth calendar year framed by the global pandemic.
New York city celebrates New Year with ball drop at Times Square
China cancels New Year Eve's events
Many Chinese cities cancelled New Year`s Eve events as a precaution against the spread of COVID-19, with the Northwest Xi`an`s lockdown measure continuing into the ninth day, Global Times reported. The popular Happy Valley amusement park in China`s capital city Beijing has cancelled its New Year`s Eve theme activity scheduled on Friday (December 31) night.
(Image credit: IANS)
Australia continues celebration despite surge in COVID cases
Australia was on board for New Year celebrations despite an explosion in virus cases. Some fireworks were let off early in the evening to give younger children a preview of the centrepiece of festivities, the renowned fireworks display from the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Sydney Opera House.
(Image credit: IANS)
Greece confirms over 40000 cases of COVID on first day of 2022
Greece has confirmed 40,560 new coronavirus cases within the past 24 hours, marking thus the largest daily increase since the start of the pandemic, the National Public Health Organization (NPHO) said. Like many other countries, Greece is now facing a new wave of the COVID-19 pandemic linked to the spread of the Omicron strain.
(Image credit: IANS)
Thailand celebrates New Year with safety measures
In Thailand, authorities were allowing New Year's Eve parties and fireworks displays to continue, albeit with strict safety measures. They were hoping to slow the spread of the omicron variant while also softening the blow to the country's battered tourism sector. New Year's Eve prayers, which are usually held in Buddhist temples around Thailand, were held online instead.
(Image credit: IANS)