Covid-19 surge…Here are the cities that canceled their big new year eve celebrations
Covid surge and the rapid spread of the new Omicron variant of the coronavirus has dashed the hopes at least in some parts of the world. Those cities which earlier planned to conduct the new year’s eve celebrations and blasts now turned their hope down as it saw covid cases emergence.
In many parts, the celebrations will be conducted following the Covid protocols whereas some other cities have planned to celebrate new year’s eve at its peak. Some major cities in Europe, where the spread of Omicron has been startling, have already announced they’re flat-out canceling plans or paring down. Other cities with iconic celebrations still plan to host their events.
These cities have planned to cancel their big events prior to Christmas and the new year.
- Germany will impose stricter measures on gatherings during the evening and chancellor Olaf Scholz announced on December 21 that no big fireworks gathering in Berlin, the capital, nor in other big gathering spots such as Munich and Frankfurt be allowed. From December 28, a maximum of 10 people will be allowed to meet in groups, regardless of whether they are vaccinated or recovered, CNN reported.
- London city Mayor Sadiq Khan tweeted on December 20 that events during the night before the new year have been canceled due to the Covid surge. “Due to the surge in Covid cases, we’ve taken the difficult decision to cancel our NYE event in Trafalgar Square,” said the tweet from Khan’s verified account. “The safety of all Londoners must come first.”
- Paris, the city of love is also taking necessary steps to curb the further spread of Covid and the variant omicron. As part of this, the traditional fireworks display over the Champs-Elysées Avenue to welcome the New Year has been canceled because of the renewed coronavirus surge. French Prime Minister Jean Castex said on Friday, December 17, that major public parties and fireworks would be banned on New Year’s Eve and recommended that even vaccinated people take a self-test before getting together for year-end parties, Reuters reported.
- Bangkok city, the capital city of Thailand is also preparing to hold the celebrations on new year’s evening. According to the Bangkok post, only open-air venues are allowed. Attendees must be fully vaccinated, tested within 72 hours, and registered to attend.
Read Also: EU approves Novavax shot as fifth Covid-19 vaccine
- With lots of safety precautions, South Africa’s seaside city, cape Town will be conducting new year evening celebrations.
- The pyrotechnics at the Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building, is still planned, according to VisitDubai.com. The emirate is requiring visitors who want to be at the celebration to register using the U by Emaar app to receive individual QR codes that will allow access.
- Meanwhile, Las Vegas will launch fireworks from the top of eight hotel-casinos on the Strip for eight minutes, according to the Las Vegas Review-Journal. A downtown Las Vegas fireworks show will also be held in the city.
- According to the website of Sydney’s new year’s eve, the Australian city has planned several celebrations, and those who wish to attend need to book the tickets this year. The city does not require fully vaccinated people but is highly encouraged.
