The world is marking the end of 2020 with celebrations unlike any other, as the coronavirus pandemic continues to rage across the globe. Many cities have scaled back events or canceled them entirely, as local leaders urge people to celebrate safely.
Times Square is eerily quiet this New Year’s Eve as New York City officials have closed the area off to revelers. The NYPD will have about 80% fewer officers guarding the area than years past, but security will still be tight.
“If you come to Times Square, the police department will turn you away and tell you to go home and watch from the safety and comfort of your home,” Times Square Alliance Vice President Tom Harris told CBS New York.
In Sydney, Australia, one of the first places to ring in the new year, fireworks illuminated the Sydney Harbor Bridge. But in other major cities, including Melbourne and London, local leaders canceled fireworks to discourage people from congregating, The Associated Press reported. Countries including France, Italy, Turkey, Latvia, the Czech Republic and Greece have all implemented nightly curfews.
