The Omicron variant continues to force authorities to increase health restrictions as the holiday season approaches. The Labor Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, announced Monday evening the cancellation of the festivities planned in the British capital for the New Year. Instead, “a spectacular show broadcast live” on the BBC, “celebrating our city and highlighting the most significant moments of 2021, will be the centerpiece of the New Year’s Eve celebrations in London ”.
“With Covid-19 infections at record levels in our city and across the UK, I am determined to (…) do everything possible to slow the spread of the new variant and ensure that our services (to public health) are not overwhelmed this winter, ”said Sadiq Khan. “This means that we will no longer be having this celebration of 6,500 people planned in Trafalgar Square on New Years Eve.” “It will be very disappointing for many Londoners, but we have to take the right steps to reduce the spread of the virus.”
Paris will not be a party
In doing so, London is following in the footsteps of Paris, which announced on Saturday the cancellation of the fireworks and concerts planned on the Champs-Elysées, or even in Morocco, which prohibits the organization of parties in places of reception. and instituted a curfew between midnight and 6 a.m.
According to authorities, at least fourteen people infected with the Omicron variant have so far died and 129 are hospitalized in the United Kingdom. On Monday, the country recorded 91,743 new cases of Covid-19 in 24 hours, leaving Britons divided between worried demanding more restrictions and those who say they are clearly hostile to their impact on the economy.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson for his part warned that he “would not hesitate to take more restrictive measures” to stem the spread of the Omicron variant, without however proceeding with the turn of the screw demanded by some. “Right now we want people to focus on being careful,” he added, citing ventilation and wearing a mask.