Under the new crown epidemic, the way of welcoming the New Year in many places around the world is different from previous years. In some places, routine firework shows are cancelled, and in some places, curfews are strictly enforced, and 2021 will be "low-keyed".

　　Although the way of celebration is different from the past, people from all countries still have hope for the new year, and especially hope that vaccination will be used as an opportunity to "defeat" the new crown virus.

At 0 o'clock on January 1, 2021, local time, the New Year’s bell rang, the New York Times Square fireworks and colored paper fluttered to celebrate the arrival of the new year.

Affected by the new crown epidemic, the New Year's Eve celebrations in New York Times Square in 2021 will not be open to the public and will only be broadcast on TV and online to avoid crowds.

Photo by China News Agency reporter Liao Pan

　　In Sydney, Australia, firework shows in previous years could attract about 1 million spectators, but this year most people watched the 7-minute show at home in accordance with the epidemic prevention requirements of the health department; in Melbourne, the local government cancelled the firework show to prevent crowds from gathering.

　　Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, also canceled celebrations such as the New Year’s fireworks show.

　　Seoul, South Korea, cancelled the New Year’s Bell ringing event, which was the first interruption since 1953.

　　In Moscow, Russia and Athens, Greece, fireworks are still blooming, but most of the streets are empty and people stay at home in accordance with epidemic prevention regulations.

　　In many European countries such as Greece, France, Italy, and the Czech Republic, the curfew is still in effect.

The French government deployed about 100,000 law enforcement officers on the evening of December 31, 2020 to strictly enforce the curfew across the country.

　　The British government also called on people to "stay at home and welcome the New Year safely."

The Chief Minister of the Scottish Government, Nicola Sturgeon, emphasized: “There are no outdoor gatherings, no indoor gatherings, and no first visitor for the New Year. We should stay in our own homes and only usher in 2021 with our families.”

　　In South Africa, the government called on the people to cancel the New Year’s party and to light candles to commemorate those who died in the epidemic.

　　In Dubai, United Arab Emirates, medical workers wear masks to "light up" the Burj Khalifa. Some bars and restaurants are open as usual, but people cannot dance.

　　In New York City, the New Year’s crystal ball in Times Square landed "as scheduled", but this event was not open to the public.

The police erected fences in various places in the square to prevent crowds from gathering.

New York Mayor Bill de Blasio said in his speech: "Goodbye, 2020. Now there is a better one: 2021."

　　With the continuous advancement of global new crown vaccine research and development, the fight against the new crown epidemic ushered in dawn. Leaders of many countries mentioned the new crown vaccine in their New Year's speeches, saying that the vaccine brings "hope" and "confidence." (Zheng Haoning) (Xinhua News Agency special feature)