London and many other locations cancel New Year's Eve events.

For a period in 2021, the world was anticipating a New Year's celebration filled with ringing bells, dazzling fireworks, and grand festivities. However, the emergence of the Omicron variant shattered those hopes in several parts of the world.

In New York City, Mayor Bill de Blasio said on December 22 (local time) that he hopes the popular New Year's Eve event in Times Square will still go ahead as planned and is discussing with health officials and sponsors whether additional safety measures should be implemented.

Meanwhile, several other cities in Europe, the current epicenter of the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as many places around the world, have announced their decision to cancel or postpone New Year's Eve celebrations for 2022.

Berlin (Germany)

Germany is one of the European countries experiencing a severe wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. Accordingly, the government announced it will begin implementing strict restrictions to curb the spread of COVID-19 from December 28th. New German Chancellor Olaf Scholz stated on December 21st that this means the country will not hold fireworks displays or large gatherings in major cities including Berlin, Munich, and Frankfurt.

From December 28th, Germany will only allow groups of up to 10 people to meet outdoors, regardless of whether they have been vaccinated or recovered from COVID-19. Children aged 13 and under will not be affected by this new restriction.

Edinburgh (Scotland)

Scotland's First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon, announced that New Year's Eve celebrations would be cancelled. In a statement, Sturgeon explained that new restrictions would be implemented after Christmas on large events to reduce the spread of the Omicron variant.

Scotland's First Minister stated that this move "also means that the large-scale Hogmanay celebrations – including those planned in the capital city of Edinburgh – will not go ahead." Nicola Sturgeon shared: "I know how disappointing this will be for those who were looking forward to these events."

London (England)

London Mayor Sadiq Khan announced on his personal Twitter account on December 20th that the New Year's Eve celebrations in the British capital would be cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Specifically, Khan wrote: "Due to the rapid increase in new COVID-19 cases, we have been forced to make the extremely difficult decision to cancel the New Year's Eve celebrations in Trafalgar Square. The safety of the public must come first."

Reportedly, the event was planned to attract around 6,500 attendees. However, according to Mr. Khan, the program will be broadcast live on television on New Year's Eve to replace the canceled event.

New Delhi (India)

According to CNN, the government of the United Territory of Delhi (India), which includes the national capital New Delhi, has issued a regulation banning all social, cultural, political, and festive gatherings until further notice due to a surge in COVID-19 cases. Accordingly, Indian officials "will ensure that no cultural events/gatherings/conferences take place during Christmas or New Year" in the region. At the same time, bars and restaurants in India will only be allowed to operate at 50% capacity.

Paris (France)

Paris is the latest city in Europe to decide to cancel its traditional fireworks display on the Champs-Elysées to welcome the new year 2022 due to the surge in COVID-19 cases.

French Prime Minister Jean Castex announced on December 17 that large public parties and fireworks would be banned on New Year's Eve. At the same time, French authorities advised vaccinated individuals to get tested for COVID-19 before attending year-end parties.

Rio de Janeiro (Brazil)

On December 18, Rio de Janeiro Mayor Eduardo Paes announced on his personal Twitter account that New Year's Eve celebrations in the city would be canceled due to concerns about COVID-19. Specifically, Eduardo Paes wrote: "We respect science. Because there are differing opinions among scientific committees, we will always adhere to the strictest possible restrictions."

The mayor of Rio de Janeiro further shared: "I am very sad to have to make this decision, but we cannot hold the celebration without the assurances of all health authorities. Unfortunately, we cannot hold such a large-scale party; we have so many costs and logistical tasks involved, and we don't have the minimum time to prepare."

Rome (Italy)

In Italy, the capital Rome is one of the cities that has decided to cancel New Year's celebrations and events to curb the spread of COVID-19. The Campania region has also banned parties and drinking alcohol in public areas from December 23 to January 1, 2022. Meanwhile, Venice has canceled outdoor concerts and New Year's Eve fireworks displays.

Therma