Paris cancels New Year fireworks amid omicron fears

Paris won’t be welcoming the new year with
a bang, as the traditional fireworks in the city of light stands cancelled. The
Paris town hall announced that all festivities to take place at Champs Elysees on
December 31, including the new year fireworks, have been cancelled to help curb
the spread of COVID-19.

The resurgence of the pandemic, especially
the omicron variant, has forced this move, after Paris had to cancel all
Christmas and New Year celebrations last year as well, due to a nationwide curfew.
The mayor’s office has conveyed further bad news for those wishing to enjoy
Parisian festivities. There won’t be any DJ sets this year either.

Also Read | UK says it could exceed 1 million omicron infections by end of December

However, the town hall has pointed out that
some celebrations are still in the works. People will be able to take part in
festive cheer near the Bastille Palace, until December 26, and Hotel de Ville, until
January 2. The lessening of festive cheer comes as no surprise, since EU chief,
Ursula von der Leyen, has already
warned that omicron could become the dominant variant in Europe by mid-January.

France’s scientific panel
concurred, stating “With regard to the acceleration of the pandemic, and the
risks related to the end-of-year festivities, authorities should impose
significant restrictions”.

Also Read | UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson doesn’t have a ‘Plan C’ to curb Omicron

Accordingly, French Prime
Minister Jean Castex communicated that town halls
should cancel all concerts and put a hold on any celebratory plans. France has
also closed its borders to people travelling from the UK, since the former EU
member has been struggling with an increasing number of COVID cases, with the omicron
variant present. French health minister, Olivier Veran, has already
warned the nation to prepare for a fifth wave that is expected to peak in late
January.

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Germany too has identified France as a high-risk
zone, and unvaccinated travellers from the country will have to be quarantined.