Crispian and Rupam Jain

MUMBAI/ROME – COVID-19 is expected to stifle New Year festivities around the globe on Friday for the second straight year. This will be followed by many governments scaling back celebrations in an attempt to stop the spread of the virus.

The number of coronavirus cases in the world rose to a new record during the seven-day period. There were almost one million infections worldwide on an average daily basis between December 23rd and 29. That’s 100,000 more than the peak recorded on Wednesday.

Many countries registered new records during the past 24 hours. These included Argentina, Australia and Bolivia. The all-conquering Omicron variation spread like wildfire.

Although it has been shown to be less fatal than previous versions, health officials aren’t taking chances and telling patients that the best place to live in 2022 is at home, with very few people – or all of them vaccinated.

Europe has seen nearly one million deaths from coronavirus in the last 12 months. Traditional concerts and fireworks displays, which typically attract thousands of people to the streets, were cancelled by major European cities like London, Paris and Zurich.

Indian authorities established strict guidelines on Thursday in an effort to curb mass gatherings. All major cities were subject to night curfews and all restaurants had to be closed at night to restrict customer numbers.

Rajesh Tope (health minister in the west state of Maharashtra, where Mumbai is the capital), said that it is becoming apparent that social gatherings continue unassisted with many people disregarding all social distancing rules.

MASS CANCELLATIONS

Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director General of the World Health Organization, urged people earlier this week to reconsider their party plans. He said, “It is better to cancel now than to mourn later.”

Despite these spiking events, many places continue with their plans regardless. Sydney will host its annual fireworks display over the Opera House (NASDAQ;) and Harbour Bridge.

The state prohibited people from going to the fireworks last year when the number of cases was in the lower 100s. This compares with the more than 12,000 infections that were reported on Thursday.

New York City also stated that its Times Square Party would be held, but in a smaller version. Far fewer people will have the opportunity to witness the famous, huge ball dropping down a pole, to celebrate the coming of 2022.

Doctor Anthony Fauci from the United States said Wednesday that small-scale gatherings should be allowed provided everyone is vaccinated. However, large parties can still prove to be dangerous.

He said, “If you are planning to attend a party for 40-50 people on New Year’s Eve with lots of bells and whistles and everyone hugging, kissing, and wishing one another a happy year,”

Many people ignored these warnings, and have left hotels and restaurants to pay the massive cancellation fees.

Jose Antonio Aparicio (president of Hosteleria Madrid), a trade association, stated that cancelling bookings in Spain’s capital will cost the industry around 350 million euros. This is 3% of the industry’s annual revenue.

Italy’s restaurant and club owner called for government assistance, declaring that 25-30% of the New Year’s Eve dinner reservation had been cancelled.

Fipe-Confcommercio stated that “December alone, which accounts for 10% restaurant revenues is largely compromised.”