Coronavirus: Cities around the world cancel New Year’s Eve fiestas

There are many big cities in which the competent authorities rush to cancel their plans for the big New Year’s Eve celebrations, due to the spread of the coronavirus and the Omicron variant.

For example, in New York, the celebration of New Year’s Eve in Times Square will be visibly less “glamorous”, with less people and all attendees must wear a mask, according to what was announced on Thursday by the City Hall.

In Europe, where the spread of the Omicron variant is soaring, it has already been announced that festive events are being canceled.

In particular, according to CNN, the following cities have already announced that they are canceling their big fiestas:

Athena

No fireworks display will take place over the Acropolis this year. The Minister of Health Thanos Plevris stated in a press conference that all the relevant Christmas and New Year events planned by the municipalities are canceled.

All travelers arriving in Greece will be informed that they are required to take a Covid-19 test on the second and fourth day after their arrival, in addition to the pre-existing requirement to have a negative test result for entering Greece.

It is also noted that from 6 in the morning of Thursday, December 24, the masks will become mandatory again both indoors and outdoors. Supermarkets and public transportation will require a double mask or the special high protection mask.

The measures will last until January 3, when, according to the Minister of Health, more restrictions may be imposed on sports and recreation areas.

Berlin

According to CNN, Germany will impose strict restrictions to limit the spread of Covid from December 28, while it will ban rallies on New Year’s Eve, according to what was announced on Tuesday, December 21 by Chancellor Olaf Solz.

This means that fireworks are not displayed in Berlin or in other public places, such as Munich and Frankfurt.

From December 28, a maximum of 10 people will be allowed to meet in groups, regardless of whether they have been vaccinated or ill, the chancellor announced. Children up to 13 years old will be excluded, however, from the new restrictions.

Edinburgh

Scotland’s New Year’s Eve celebrations will be canceled, Prime Minister Nicholas Sturgeon said on Tuesday (December 21st), explaining in detail the restrictions that will be imposed after Christmas.

London

A planned New Year’s Eve event in London has been canceled due to concerns about the spread of the coronavirus, London Mayor Sadiq Khan wrote on Twitter.

“Due to the increase in Covid cases, we have taken the difficult decision to cancel our event in Trafalgar Square,” he tweeted. “The safety of all Londoners is paramount,” he said.

However, a television entertainment program will be broadcast at midnight on BBC One, he said.

New Delhi

The government, in connection with upcoming events in New Delhi, has announced a ban on all social, cultural, political and festivals until recently due to an increase in Covid cases, it is reported.

Paris

In Paris, the fireworks show on the Avenue des Champs-Elysées was canceled on New Year’s Eve, due to the new outbreak of the coronavirus.

“Fireworks will not be seen this year, nor will there be DJ sets,” the mayor’s office told AFP.

French Prime Minister Jean-Castex has also recommended that vaccinated people take a self-test before meeting for New Year’s Eve, according to Reuters.

Rome

In Italy, Rome is among many cities that have decided to cancel their events due to concerns about a new pandemic outbreak.

Bangkok

The capital of Thailand will hold its celebrations, but with some security measures. According to the Bangkok Post, only outdoor events are allowed. Participants must be fully vaccinated, undergo a rapid test within 72 hours and register on a special platform to be able to attend.

Cape Town

The beautiful coastal city of South Africa still allows events for its inhabitants, according to its tourist website, but with many security checks. These include early closure of entertainment venues as well as strict traffic bans on a case-by-case basis.

Dubai

According to VisitDubai.com, fireworks shows at Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world, are currently being canceled. The emirate, however, requires visitors who want to be present at the celebration to register using a special application in order to receive QR codes for their entry.

Las Vegas

The “gambling capital” of the United States is still planning to throw fireworks on the rooftops of eight casino hotels, according to the Las Vegas Review Journal. There will also be a fireworks display in downtown Las Vegas, based on the design so far.

Rio de Janeiro

It canceled New Year’s Eve celebrations earlier this month in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil’s “party capital”. “Citizens are encouraged to stay in their homes and avoid unnecessary travel,” said authorities.

Sydney

Australia’s largest city is moving forward with festive plans, but visitors will need tickets to attend, according to the City’s special New Year’s Eve website.

Taipei

Taiwan’s largest city plans to hold its annual countdown and fireworks display on the towering Taipei 101 skyscraper, according to the Taipei Times and other local media.

With information from ertnews, cnn.com