The world ushered in the new year with New Year celebrations that were largely overshadowed by the concerns of the Pandemic Heartland, even as uncertainty looms and the omicron variant continues to drive up infections globally.
Australia and New Zealand were the first to ring in the new year.
New Year's Day is ushered in under the cloud of Covid-19.
New Year's celebrations in Australia include fireworks over the harbor. New Year's Eve celebrations are different as some Covid-19 restrictions remain in place due to the ongoing coronaviruses epidemic.
Spectacular fireworks exploded over the Opera House and Harbour Bridge as Australia was welcomed into the new year. The queue was already forming at many vantage points. The number of Covid cases in New South Wales increased as the number of patients in intensive care increased.
The Waka Hourua sails under a light show on New Year's Eve in New Zealand. The light show named "Auckland Is Calling" replaces the normal fireworks due to government restrictions.
The restrictions on public gatherings in New Zealand were relaxed on December 30. The traditional fireworks were canceled because of crowd concerns. There was a light show over the Sky Tower and the War Memorial Museum.
According to data by the University, Covid-19 infections around the world have surpassed 300 million and deaths top 5 million. The World Health Organization warned of a wave of cases as omicron and delta circulate at the same time.
New Year's Eve is celebrated in New York City. Despite a surge in Covid-19 cases, New Year's Eve happened as planned, but with only 15,000 vaccine participants allowed, who were also required to be masked at all times.
New Year's Eve celebrations in New York City were scaled down and the vaccine crowd had to wear masks, but they still took place. Spectators were allowed to watch the annual ball drop in Times Square.
The former New York Mayor told NBC on Thursday that he wanted to show the world that New York City is fighting.
The New Year's Eve Ball was prepared by the installation of panels on top of One Times Square. There are two side by side panels, one on the left and one on the right.
On New Year's Eve, people hold balloons to form the number "2022" at a shopping mall in China.
According to the South China Morning Post, Chinese cities canceled New Year's Eve celebrations in order to stem the spread of infections.
China ended the year with the highest weekly Covid cases since the epidemic was brought under control two years ago, according to a report.
According to the news agency, the number of local infections on the mainland has reached 1,151 after 175 new communities with symptoms were reported for the New Year.
People gather to watch a firework display to celebrate the new year on Kim Il Sung Square.
A couple kisses on the Champs-Elysees Avenue in Paris in the early hours of New Year's Day.
The Puerta del Sol in Madrid, Spain is lit up with fireworks on New Year's Eve.
People celebrate New Year at Krakus Mound.
