\N
With the pandemic overshadowing this year's New Year's Eve, putting plans for wild fun on ice, the planet bids farewell to 2021 as it waits for the hope that will signal the beginning of the end of the hostage crisis. The world waits with anticipation for scientists' estimates to be confirmed in the new year for the end of the coronavirus in the pandemic form we know today.
Just before 2021 expired, Omicron played the role of the ultimate game-changer on the health crisis chessboard. Suddenly seeing before them a significant increase in viral load, most health staffs sounded the alarm, drew up new policy measures, shielded themselves against the pandemic wave.
With recommendations from top health agencies leaving no room for frantic celebrations and embracing on New Year's Eve, the world's biggest capitals will welcome the New Year not in the pre-pandemic extravagant way but under a regime of strict measures mandating austerity.
Starting in the City of Light and the Champs Elysees Avenue it has been decided to cancel all New Year's Eve celebrations, despite the fact that France, which has a negative record of over 200.000 daily infections in the last 24 hours, is not in a total lockdown.
Different from other years, New York will also welcome the New Year. In Times Square, at the heart of the celebration, the crowds gathered will be far fewer than in other years. Everyone who walks past is required to wear a mask, according to New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio.
Recall that the top infectious disease expert in the US Anthony Fauci, has urged Americans to celebrate with few people this New Year's Eve as well.
In Britain health officials are sending constant messages about the need to keep their distance and avoid overcrowding on New Year's Eve, despite the fact that no emergency measures have been taken by the Johnson government.
\NHowever, events in Trafalgar Square have been cancelled, as have festivals in Edinburgh.
In Rio, Brazil where traditionally every year the year has changed with spectacular spectacle at the Copacabana, a cancellation plan is also being implemented.
Besides, Brazil records one of the worst death tolls in the world.
In Italy all concerts and events in main streets and squares were cancelled, while nightclubs were closed. Note that in the previous 24 hours the country set a negative record with more than 126,000 daily infections.
On the cancellation track in Seoul with South Korea cancelling for the second year in a row the ceremony traditionally kneeling for the New Year.
In India one of the countries hit hard in the last pandemic wave, millions of people will celebrate the arrival of the New Year from their homes as a night curfew has been imposed and food outlets are operating under restrictions.
Source: protothema.gr
\NContents of this article including associated images are belongs Cyprus Times\NViews & opinions expressed are those of the author and/or Cyprus Times\NSource