Countries around the world have welcomed 2021 with fireworks, but crowds were only allowed at some displays.
Strict lockdown and border closures in New Zealand have all but eliminated Covid, so New Year’s Eve plans were held as usual.
The Sydney fireworks display went ahead, but crowds weren’t allowed to gather on the city’s harbour to enjoy it.
Restrictions are being placed on New Year festivities around the world as many countries struggle to curb new spikes in coronavirus cases.
As the capital welcomed in the New Year while under strict coronavirus measures, with people told to celebrate at home.
Pictures from Leicester Square, Piccadilly Circus and the Embankment opposite the London Eye— places usually swamped with revellers on New Year’s Eve — showed them near-deserted on Thursday night.
London welcomed the dawn of 2021 with a dazzling light and fireworks show on the Thames, including tributes to the NHS and notable figures from the year of Covid-19. Amid the fireworks, several light projections filled the sky over the O2 Arena for the televised display, one of which showed the NHS logo in a heart while a child’s voice said “Thank you NHS heroes”.