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In the period before the appearance of the Omicron variant, it had become apparent that we could celebrate the arrival of the new year 2022 in a manner reminiscent of the pre-Covid-19 period in most parts of the world. However, the rapid turnaround caused by the emergence of Omicron and the wide spread of the new variant around the world dramatically changes the situation in view of the New Year's Eve celebrations.
In New York City, New Year's Eve celebrations in Times Square will be "scaled back," with fewer participants and everyone required to wear a mask, Mayor Bill de Blasio's office announced Thursday.
However, some major cities in Europe, where the Omicron spread is widespread, have already announced they are canceling their festivities.
Other cities around the world with traditionally iconic celebrations still plan to host their events, but with security precautions.
Cities that have cancelled events
The following cities (or states) have already announced that they are cancelling their events:
BERLIN
[BR][/P][BR]Germany will impose strict restrictions on social contacts to limit the spread of Covid from December 28 and will ban gatherings on New Year's Eve, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz announced on Tuesday.
That means cancelling fireworks displays in Berlin, but also in other major cities where there are large gatherings of people, 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 are sick, Scholz said. Children 13 and under are exempt from the new contact restrictions.
EDEMBOURG
Public New Year's Eve celebrations in Scotland will be cancelled, Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said Tuesday.
The First Minister explained the details of the post-Christmas restrictions on large-scale events aimed at limiting the spread of the Omicron variant.
Sturgeon noted that the decision "will also unfortunately mean that large-scale Hogmanay celebrations will not continue. I know how disappointing this will be for those looking forward to these events."
LONDON
A planned New Year's Eve event in London has been cancelled due to concerns about the Covid march, London Mayor Stantic Khan tweeted on Monday, December 20.
"Due to an increase in Covid cases, we have made the difficult decision to cancel our New Year's Eve event in Trafalgar Square," the British capital's mayor tweeted. "The safety of all Londoners must be prioritised first."
It was estimated that the celebration was expected to accommodate 6,500 people in Trafalgar Square.
NEW DELHI
The local government of the Delhi district, which includes India's capital New Delhi, has announced a ban on all social, cultural, political and other festivals until further notice due to an increase in Covid-19 cases.
All officials "will ensure that no cultural events/gatherings/assemblies/meetings are held to celebrate Christmas or
New Year" in the region, according to the order issued by the Delhi government.
Bars and restaurants will only be allowed to operate at 50 per cent capacity.
PARIS
Paris has cancelled the spectacular fireworks ceremony over the Champs-Elysées avenue to welcome the New Year due to the new outbreak of the coronavirus plaguing France.
"Fireworks will not take place, nor will there be DJ sets, unfortunately," the mayor's office told Agence France-Presse."
French Prime Minister Jean Castex said on Friday December 17 that large public parties and fireworks would be banned on New Year's Eve and even recommended that vaccinated people self-test before getting together for family and friends' gatherings at homes, according to Reuters.
ROME
In Italy, Rome is among several cities that have decided to cancel New Year's Eve celebrations over concerns about the spread of Covid.
The region of Campania has also banned events and alcohol consumption in public places from Dec. 23 to Jan. 1. Venice has also cancelled its outdoor concerts and fireworks on New Year's Eve.
Events planned
However, not all cities around the world have called off their celebrations for the coming of 2022. Here are some of the cities traditionally renowned for their outstanding fireworks and big New Year's Eve events that were still going ahead with their plans as of December 21:
BANGKOK
Thailand's capital will hold its celebrations, but with some security warnings. According to the Bangkok Post, only outdoor areas are allowed. Participants must be fully vaccinated, undergo screening within 72 hours and register to attend.
KEIP TAWN
The beautiful South African coastal city will still allow New Year's Eve celebrations for its residents, according to its tourism website, but with many security checks. These include early closures and strict curfews.
DUBAI
According to VisitDubai.com, the spectacular fireworks and related installations required on the rooftop of the Burj Khalifa, the world's tallest building, are still being planned. The emirate requires visitors who want to attend the celebration to first register using the U by Emaar app to receive individual QR codes that will allow access.
LAS VEGAS
America's gambling magnet is still planning to launch fireworks from the rooftops of eight hotel-casinos on the Strip for eight minutes, according to the Las Vegas Review Journal. There will also be a fireworks display in downtown Las Vegas.
RIO DE JANEIRO
After canceling its New Year's Eve celebrations earlier this month, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil's holiday capital, changed course this week.
"We want to celebrate the end of the year in a calm, safe and organized way. We met with the Scientific Committee, which confirmed that it would be safe to hold the city's New Year's Eve celebrations according to the provisions presented by the municipal government," said Mayor Eduardo Paes. Citizens are encouraged to stay close to home to "avoid unnecessary travel."
SIDNEY
Australia's largest city is moving ahead with its celebration plans, but those interested will need tickets to attend this year, according to the City of Sydney's New Year's Eve website. Full vaccinations are not required, but are highly encouraged.
TAIPEI
The largest city on the island of Taiwan plans to hold its annual countdown display and fireworks at the towering Taipei 101 skyscraper, according to the Taipei Times and other local media.
Source: in.gr
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