For a while in 2021, the world was looking forward to a New Year's Eve celebration with ringing bells, fireworks and big celebrations. However, the emergence of the Omicron variant has dashed those hopes in some parts of the world.
In New York City (USA), Mayor Bill de Blasio said on December 22 (local time) that he hopes the famous New Year's event at Times Square will still take place as planned and is discussing with health officials and sponsors about whether to add additional measures to ensure epidemic prevention safety.
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 the 2022 New Year's Eve celebrations.
Berlin (Germany)
Germany is one of the European countries experiencing a serious outbreak of COVID-19. Accordingly, the government of this country announced that it will begin applying strict restrictions to prevent the spread of COVID-19 from December 28. New German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said on December 21 that this regulation means that the country will not organize fireworks and large gatherings in major cities including the capital Berlin, Munich and Frankfurt.
From December 28, Germany will only allow groups of up to 10 people to meet outdoors, regardless of whether they are vaccinated or have recovered from COVID-19. Children under 13 will not be affected by the new restrictions.
Edinburgh (Scotland)
Scotland's First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said New Year's Eve celebrations in the country would be cancelled. In a statement, Sturgeon explained that new restrictions would be introduced after Christmas on large events to reduce the spread of the Omicron variant.
Scotland's First Minister said the move "also means that large-scale Hogmanay celebrations - including those planned in the capital city of Edinburgh - will not go ahead." Nicola Sturgeon said: "I know how disappointing this will be for those who were looking forward to these events."
London (UK)
London Mayor Sadiq Khan announced on his personal Twitter page on December 20 that the 2022 New Year's Eve event in the British capital would be canceled due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Specifically, Mr. Khan wrote: "Due to the rapid increase in the number of new COVID-19 cases, we have been forced to make the extremely difficult decision to cancel the New Year's Eve event in Trafalgar Square. The safety of people must come first."
The event was scheduled to attract around 6,500 people, but Khan said the show will be broadcast live on television on New Year's Eve to replace the cancelled event.
New Delhi (India)
According to CNN, the government of the union 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 the increase in COVID-19 cases here. Accordingly, Indian officials "will ensure that no cultural events/gatherings/meetings take place during Christmas or New Year" in the area. At the same time, bars and restaurants in India will only be allowed to operate at 50% capacity.
Paris (France)
Paris is the next city in Europe to decide to cancel the traditional fireworks display on the Champs-Elysées Avenue to welcome the new year 2022 due to the number of new COVID-19 cases.
French Prime Minister Jean Castex announced on December 17 that large public parties and fireworks will be banned on New Year's Eve. At the same time, French officials recommended that vaccinated people get tested for COVID-19 before attending year-end parties together.
Rio de Janeiro (Brazil)
On December 18, Rio de Janeiro Mayor Eduardo Paes announced on his personal Twitter that the city's New Year's celebrations for 2022 would be canceled due to concerns about COVID-19. Specifically, Mr. Eduardo Paes wrote: "We respect science. Since there are many different opinions among the scientific committees, we will always follow the strictest restrictions."
The mayor of Rio de Janeiro added: "I am sad to have to make this decision, but we cannot celebrate without the guarantees of all health authorities. Unfortunately, we cannot organize such a large-scale party, we have a lot of costs and logistics involved without a minimum of time to prepare."
Rome (Italy)
In Italy, the capital Rome is among the cities that have decided to cancel New Year's festivities and events to prevent the COVID-19 epidemic. The Campania region has also banned parties and drinking in public areas from December 23 to January 1, 2022. Meanwhile, Venice has canceled outdoor concerts and fireworks on New Year's Eve.
