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With almost zero influx in Times square, empty beaches in Rio de Janeiro and the Elysian Fields practically deserted in Paris, the world quietly welcomed the year 2021 under the influence of the covid-19 pandemic.
After months of restrictions due to this contagious disease that caused more than 1.8 million deaths worldwide, the new waves of the epidemic forced most of the people to follow the festivities from the sofa at home.
In New York, the neighborhood of Manhattan was blocked and people were urged to follow on television the shows of stars like Jennifer Lopez and Gloria Gaynor who at 77 years old sang the old hit “Sobreviviré” (I will survive).
In Times Square, which is packed with euphoric people enjoying the “fall of the ball” every December 31st in a rain of confetti, the crowd was replaced by workers from the front line against the pandemic who were specially invited and separated by fences to ensure social distancing.
“This year can not be worse than last,” said Jordan Mann, a 31-year-old actress who spent the night at home with colleagues with whom she lives.
“Mayor Bill de Blassio said 2020 was” without a doubt the toughest year in New York’s history, “
“In January we will vaccinate one million New Yorkers,” he promised.
The United States is the country with the highest number of deaths in the world. However, President-elect Joe Biden, who will take office in three weeks, said he was optimistic. “The United States can do anything and I am fully sure that we will come back and even stronger,” he said on the ABC network.
Brazil, the second country with the most deaths from the pandemic, received 2021 with its emblematic Copacabana beach in Rio de Janeiro almost deserted instead of the millions of people that it normally welcomes every December 31 to celebrate the new year with sea baths and Fireworks.
The police prevented access to the beaches of Rio and some fireworks were fired at midnight, but also cacerolazos were heard shouting “Bolsonaro out!”, A president severely criticized for disdaining the pandemic that has killed some 195,000 people in Brazil.
New Zealand, applauded for its management of the virus, welcomed the new year with crowds gathered in Auckland for a fireworks display.
In Sydney, Australia’s largest city, New Year’s Eve fireworks lit up the harbor with a dazzling display, but few spectators.
“I think everyone is looking at 2021 as a new beginning,” said Karen Roberts, one of the lucky few who was able to attend the fires near the famous Sydney Opera House.
“One more year”
In Madrid, the Spanish ate the twelve grapes with the chimes of the famous Puerta del Sol clock from the sofas of their houses, since the famous square of the Spanish capital was completely empty this New Year’s Eve.
In battered London there have been no celebrations as recommended by the government, which asked people to stay home to avoid spreading the virus with the slogan “Pretend you have it.”
The American singer Patti Smith, 74, gave a concert on YouTube in tribute to the United Kingdom toilets who died from covid-19. But the live broadcast on a big screen in Piccadilly Circus was canceled at the last minute due to the pandemic.
There were also no celebrations for the UK’s final exit from the European Union, which took place at 11:00 p.m. GMT (00:00 Brussels time). A few dozen people showed up to Parliament Square in London to hear Big Ben.
– Deserted Champs Elysees –
In Paris, the Champs Elysees were empty. Under the trees adorned with red lights, a score of policemen stopped the few vehicles that circulated on this famous street to verify the certificates of travel and fine the offenders.
France lived New Year’s Eve under a curfew, exceptionally guarded by 100,000 policemen and gendarmes.
Thousands of people in Wuhan
In Wuhan, the Chinese city where the virus was first detected in late 2019, thousands of people celebrated the arrival of 2021.
In Hong Kong, despite restrictions, some ventured to Victoria Harbor to take selfies.
In Russia, President Vladimir Putin acknowledged in his New Year’s speech that a second wave of the coronavirus hits the country. “Unfortunately, the epidemic has not been completely stopped. The fight against the epidemic does not stop for a minute ”, he declared.
Shortly before, like every year, a few dozen people dived into the icy waters of Lake Baikal in Siberia, with temperatures as low as -35ºC.
Rome without fireworks
The Romans also attended from their homes to the festivities organized in the Circus Maximus, the oldest stadium in the city.
Although the mayor’s office banned the fireworks and firecrackers that usually resonate in the Eternal City.
In Dubai, thousands of people attended a fireworks and laser lighting show at Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest tower, despite a large number of new cases. Attendees had to wear a mask and register with a QR code.
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