Happy New Year 2022: Amid Omicron, Celebrations In India And Across The World Likely To Be Muted

Happy New Year 2022: Governments have urged people to avoid large gatherings and keep celebrations restricted to family members and close friends as they tighten the loose ends in their health infrastructure.

New Year celebrations historically have been a time to unwind and welcome the future with open arms. After two years of the pandemic, with its intermittent waves that caused immense pain across the globe, it was hoped that the coming year would herald a new beginning. Yet, the coronavirus seems to have persisted, riding the Omicron variant that is frighteningly virulent even if less fatal – for now. The result: New Year celebrations globally are likely to be muted under the COVID-19 shadow.

Governments have urged people to avoid large gatherings and keep celebrations restricted to family members and close friends as they tighten the loose ends in their health infrastructure. Travel restrictions and mask mandates are back as many cities move either to ban or pare down New Year's Eve events.

India

In New Delhi, the city government has declared lockdown-like restrictions under a “yellow alert”, meaning night curfew is back, offices will open with 50 percent staff and curbs are back on weddings and other social and religious gatherings. Last week, the government banned all gatherings to celebrate Christmas and New Year.