New Delhi, Dec 31: The eve of New Year is a celebration for everyone. It is a time when people wrap up the past, prepare to welcome the future while enjoying their heart’s content in the present.

However, in recent times, things have been a little different due to the prevalence of the Covid pandemic since the last two years

The New Year celebration this year is also being affected due to the emergence of the COVID-19’s new variant omicron as the governments of several nations have urged their citizens to avoid large gatherings and keep celebrations restricted to family members and close friends as they tighten the loose ends in their health infrastructure. 

India

In New Delhi, India, the city government has declared lockdown-like restrictions under a “yellow alert”. Last week, the government banned all gatherings to celebrate Christmas and New Year.

Similarly, states like Maharashtra, Karnataka, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, Odisha, have announced several restrictions, including night curfew and banning large gatherings.

United States

Similarly, authorities in the US, where Omicron has led to new Covid cases expanding alarmingly, have ordered organizers to cancel several events. But the annual celebration in Times Square in New York has been allowed with the participation of 15,000 people only. Attendees will have to wear masks and show proof of full vaccination.

United Kingdom

Several parts of the United Kingdom have put limits on social gatherings and mass events after England reported a new high of Covid cases on Christmas. Meanwhile, London Mayor Sadiq Khan announced that the New Year’s Eve event in Trafalgar Square was canceled.

However, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has said no new curbs will be imposed before 2022, allowing nightclubs and pubs to open for New Year’s Eve celebrations.

Happy New Year 2022: New Year celebrations globally are likely to be muted under the COVID-19 shadow.

Europe

Several countries in the EU have decided to roll back or ban the celebrations since the region has witnessed one of the hardest Omicron hits. French Prime Minister Jean Castex announced that large public parties would be banned on New Year’s Eve while The French capital Paris has canceled major celebrations, which included fireworks over the Champs-Elysees.

Meanwhile, The major event in Germany’s Berlin will be broadcast live on television.

Thailand

Bangkok, the capital of Thailand will allow celebrations but with some conditions. Only open-air venues will be allowed to host parties. People attending these events must be fully vaccinated and registered to attend as no walk-ins will be allowed.

Japan Tokyo holds one of the biggest New Year’s Eve celebrations in the world. However, the event at Shibuya Crossing in Tokyo has been canceled due to the pandemic.