Citizens all over the world ushered in 2022 with subdued celebrations following the emergence of an unprecedented COVID-19 variant, Omicron.
Just when the world thought it was rid of COVID-19, Omicron reared its ugly head in the last quarter of 2021, lulling the usual hustle and bustle that accompanied the festive season.
Although the death rate and hospitalisation rate are low, many countries have cancelled elaborate celebrations to prevent a surge in cases, due to the highly contagious nature of the variant.
For this reason, the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, directed that the annual spectacular fireworks display be broadcast live on TV to allow citizens watch from the comfort of their homes and reduce risk of contraction.
Big Ben clock which had been undergoing repairs for the past four years chimed 12 times to usher in the new year to the delight of residents. Bars and clubs were closed in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
However, it was a different case in France whose residents were not compliant with COVID-19 measures. Despite President Macron’s cancellation of the annual colourful display of fireworks at Paris’ arc de triomphe, thousands gathered at Champs elysées avenue to usher in the new year amidst squeals and laughter.
Nigeria wasn’t any different as citizens defied government’s directive to gather in religious centres en masse for crossover services to welcome 2022. After church services ended, excited night crawlers branched out to choice joints to continue the new year celebrations.
About 15,000 persons both locals and tourists swayed their bodies to James Blunt’s Living in America at Times Square in New York city. Giddy with excitement, revelers gathered to witness the annual ball drop that usually ushers in the new year as they shook balloons under falling confetti.
The excitement was heightened by Eric Leroy Adams swearing-in ceremony as the new mayor of New York city. Mr. Eric took his oath of office shortly after midnight to the hearty cheers of people present.
The fear of Omicron gripped the residents of Auckland, New Zealand who had no official display of fireworks to usher in the new year.
Meanwhile, Sydney fireworks went off at the 0.00 hours local time on Saturday in Australia’s largest city, adorning the city’s firmament in alluring projectiles.
Residents living in Quebec area of Canada struggled to reach their homes before midnight following a 12:00 a.m. to 5:00 a.m. curfew which was in full swing. Premier François Legault on Thursday banned all forms of social gatherings to curtail the spread of the rampaging variant.
South Korea’s traditional bell-ringing event was cancelled as the country continues to battle a resurgence of the pandemic.
North Koreans on the other hand defied the cold to gather for an outdoor concert to celebrate Kim Jong Un’s ten year rule. The event held at Kim II sung square in Pyongyang with a colourful display of fireworks. However, attendees complied with all COVID-19 protocols wearing their masks during the course of the event.
