[포토 in 월드]Only pollen in the empty square... New Year's Eve in the Corona Era

New Year’s fireworks in Moscow, Russia © Reuters = News 1

Following quarantine measures to prevent the spread of the new coronavirus infection (Corona 19) that hit the world, this year marks the New Year 2021 in a generally quiet atmosphere around the world.

Many people gathered to enjoy fireworks and performances, and the New Year’s Eve event, which was welcoming the coming year, was’all-stop’ except for some countries.

‘Ball Drop’ for the New Year held at Times Square in New York will be held without general visitors this year, but instead broadcast online. After the New Year’s countdown, pollen falling from the sky covered an empty street without crowds.

Pollen on Times Square in New York © Reuters = News 1

Medical staff and their families on the front line of Corona 19 were invited as special guests and famous celebrities came out to perform, but it was not as exciting as usual.

The New Year’s Fireworks Festival at Sydney Harbor Bridge, Australia, attended by more than 1 million people every year, was held for only 7 minutes this year.

New Year 2021 fireworks display at Sydney Harbor Bridge, Australia © AFP=News1

In London, England, suffering from a mutated virus, the fireworks were canceled, but just before New Year’s came, it was a surprise. At Brandenburg Square in Berlin, Germany, and Red Square in Moscow, Russia, only a few fireworks were held at 00:00 New Year without spectators.

However, in New Zealand, the number of confirmed cases per 100,000 people is the lowest among OECD member countries, some restrictions were enforced and fireworks were held as usual.

In Dubai, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), new cases continue to appear, but fireworks and laser shows were held in Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world.

Fireworks at Burj Khalifa, a famous building in Dubai, UAE © Reuters = News1

In China, such as Wuhan City, where Corona 19 first occurred, citizens poured into the streets and enjoyed the New Year’s celebration. New Year’s celebrations and fireworks were held at Kim Il-sung Square in Pyongyang, North Korea from 2013.