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New Zealand has welcomed 2021 with a huge fireworks display after ‘eliminating the coronavirus’.
The impressive display marks one of the world’s largest fireworks displays of the New Year.
Crowds gathered on the seafront to watch the show as the country entered 2021 11 hours earlier than the UK, according to GMT.
Christchurch also held a fireworks display to welcome 2021 after the city council administrator said the event followed a “challenging year.”
Tanya Cokojic said: “2020 has been a challenging year and we will look at it in style.
“When the clock strikes midnight, we will light up the sky over Hagley Park with an impressive fireworks display from fireworks professionals.”
Samoa became the first country in the world to welcome 2021 and also marked the New Year with a fireworks display from the capital city of Apia.
Follow the latest New Years celebration news from around the world on our live blog here
The Government shared a live video of the fireworks that also shows houses decorated for the festive period.
Prime Minister Tuilaepa Aiono Sailele Malielegaoi wished his citizens the best in a message of hope for 2021.
January 1 on the islands began at 10 am GMT on December 31.
And despite being only an hour’s flight from Samoa, the island of American Samoa is 25 hours behind and will be one of the last places to enter the New Year.
In the UK, the reduced celebrations in the UK follow a stern warning from the government and police forces about refraining from gathering at parties.
Martin Hewitt, president of the Council of Chiefs of National Police, said: “You should not have big meetings and parties,” he added. “We ask anyone who is thinking of attending or organizing one not to.”
The Metropolitan Police also issued a warning to potential revelers to “celebrate the New Year in the comfort of their own homes, not in the homes of family and friends.”
Commander Paul Brogden, who is leading this year’s operation, said: “I urge everyone to be cautious, listen to government advice and celebrate the New Year in the comfort of their own homes, not in the homes of family and friends. .
“The public can expect to see officers deployed throughout the capital, supporting communities and focusing heavily on the few people who try to violate and ignore the guidance put in place to keep everyone safe.
“Officers will also be paying attention to the parts of London that are experiencing the highest infection rates.
“As we have done throughout the year, if we become aware of planned events that violate Covid regulations, we will engage with the organizers or venues to inform them of the legal consequences and encourage them to cancel.
“If people insist on gathering and violating the regulations, then the officers will attend and encourage people to disperse.
“Where necessary, compliance measures will be considered, including fines from £ 100 up to £ 10,000.”
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