The Omicron variant dampened New Year festivities around much of the world. However, Cape Town abruptly lifted a curfew just in time for the New Year after South Africa became the first country to declare that its Omicron wave had crested
The midnight hour passed in Paris without a planned fireworks display or DJ sets, as city officials cancelled events planned on the Champs-Elysees following the advice of a scientific panel that declared mass gatherings would be too risky.
Even so, many countries have reimposed restrictions to prevent healthcare systems from being overwhelmed. "I'm just hoping that Cape Town goes back to the old Cape Town that we all knew about," said Michael Mchede, manager of a Hard Rock cafe by the white sands of Camps Bay Beach, who was thrilled to find himself getting the place ready to host an unexpected bash.
With New York state reporting more than 74,000 cases on Thursday and 22% of tests coming back positive, some critics wondered whether the celebrations should go ahead at all.
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