New Year’s Eve, which is celebrated freely around the world, the new form of the corona virus, Omicron, has quelled the enthusiasm as the rapidly spreading form has started filling hospitals with patients.
Since the end of 2019, more than 285 million people have been infected with the corona virus worldwide and more than 5 million people have died due to the epidemic.
Authorities in Paris canceled fireworks and made it mandatory to wear a mask when outdoors amid rising infections.
In Berlin, the police appealed to people not to congregate near the Brandenburgget. Authorities in Madrid only allowed 7,000 people to gather at a venue in the city where some 20,000 used to gather to celebrate the New Year’s welcome.
US President Joe Biden, referring to the damage caused by the epidemic and the uncertainty caused by it, said, “We are recovering.” returning to work. Schools are reopening. Enjoying it again.”
In New York, the perimeter around Times Square had only 15,000 vaccinations and only people wearing masks were allowed in. Outgoing Mayor Bill de Blasio defended the move, saying people need to see that New York is open for business.
As the year 2021 approached, airline companies struggled, with crew members and other personnel infected and thousands of flights canceled due to bad weather.
However, vaccination in the past year proved decisive for the pandemic. Pakistan has said that it has completely vaccinated 70 million of its population of 220 million last year. Britain said it had achieved its target of providing a booster dose to all adults by Friday.
In Russia, President Vladimir Putin mourned the death toll from the pandemic, commended Russians for standing firm in difficult times, and warned that the pandemic was not over.
In his televised address just before midnight, Putin said, “I extend my condolences to all those who have lost their loved ones. ,
Pope Francis canceled his visit to St Peter’s Square to avoid overcrowding.
France, Britain, Portugal and Australia are among the countries where record cases of infection have been reported.
In London, a light and drone show was broadcast on TV instead of the traditional fireworks display along the River Thames.
France reported 2,32,000 cases on Friday. More than two lakh cases were reported in the country for the third consecutive day. In Britain, 1,89,846 new cases were reported.
Officials in London said one in every 15 people had been infected in the week before Christmas. In the UK, there was a 66 percent increase in hospitalizations of Covid patients last week.
A 16-minute fireworks display at Copacabana Beach in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. However, a very small number of people were present there during that time.
However, Australia welcomed the new year with celebratory events, despite 32,000 cases being reported. Sydney’s Harbor Bridge and Opera House lit up the sky with massive fireworks at midnight.
AP Subhash Dileep
Dileep
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