Happy New Year 2022: As Covid cases rise, clamp down on festivities globally - in Pics
While the world is all set to step into a new year, rising Covid-19 cases are proving to be a party pooper
From Europe to America, from Asia to Australia, Covid-19 cases are seeing a massive surge. Once again like last year, New Year celebrations will be a lukewarm affair globally. (Pic: Pixabay; with Reuters input)
Covid dampener on New Year celebrations
Covid infections rise globally
Omicron variant spreads like wildfire
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Curbs on celebrations in India
Indian authorities started to impose stringent rules on Thursday to prevent mass gatherings, with night curfews imposed in all major cities and restaurants ordered to limit customers. "It is being seen that social gatherings are going on in an unrestricted manner with people flouting all social distancing norms," said Rajesh Tope, the health minister of Maharashtra. (Pic: Pixabay)
Firework display cancelled across Europe
In Europe, where almost one million people have died of coronavirus over the past 12 months, traditional concerts and firework displays that typically draw thousands of people on to the streets were cancelled in most major cities, including London, Paris, Zurich, Brussels, Warsaw and Rome. (Pic: Pixabay)
Scaled down festivities at Times Square, New York
New York said it would hold its Times Square party, albeit in a scaled-back version, with far fewer people allowed to watch as the iconic, giant ball drops down a pole to mark the arrival of 2022. US infectious disease official Dr Anthony Fauci said that family gatherings where everyone was vaccinated should be all right, but cautioned that large-scale parties were still too dangerous. (Pic: Pixabay)