In true COVID form, just as the world began to think we were getting to the other side of the pandemic and families were starting to make plans for the holidays, the virus reared its ugly head in the form of the Omicron variant. For a brief moment, we felt that the New Year would ring in with the typical flair of yesteryear. Unfortunately for those wishing to send 2021 out with flair, cities are electing to cancel celebrations in fear of outbreak. Here are some of the most significant events canceled or scaled back.
New York City
The ball drop in Times Square typically holds upwards of 58,000 people in multiple venues. This year, Mayor Bill de Blasio’s office said they would scale back the celebration on Tuesday, limiting it to 15,000 people who wear masks and show photo identification to enter the outdoor event.
London
Every year, the London Eye draws thousands of visitors to go for a spin while fireworks launch to ring in the New Year. Mayor of London Sadiq Khan tweeted last week, “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
On New Year’s Eve, Paris’ epicenter is the thriving Champs-Elysees, where visitors can glimpse the Eiffel Tower. Getting a glimpse of the bursts of light it emits, as midnight creeps over France. According to officials, besides canceling their big event, Paris also bans large parties and recommends vaccinated people get tested before any gatherings.
Celebrations still commencing
Some of the world’s most famous celebrations will continue for those fortunate enough to be in the vicinity. After canceling its New Year’s Eve celebrations earlier this month, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil’s party capital, reversed course this week. According to the city’s New Year’s Eve website, Sydney is also going ahead with plans, but you’ll need tickets. No full vaccinations are required but are highly encouraged.