Pandemic-Weary World Welcomes 2021
The world’s 7.8 billion people are bidding a hearty farewell to 2020, but without the usual fanfare and public gatherings because of the novel coronavirus pandemic. Japan rang in the new year quietly due to rising cases. Tokyo’s governor, Yuriko Koike, had asked people not to attend countdown ceremonies. “The coronavirus knows no year-end or New Year’s holidays,” she said. World Bids Farewell to Year 2020Pandemic restrictions limiting crowds and many people bidding farewell to a year they’d prefer to forget. South Korea, where the government banned gatherings of more than five, saw a different New Year’s Eve as a traditional bell ringing in Seoul was cancelled for the first time since 1953. Beaches where South Koreans flock to watch sunrise were closed with some outlets planning on broadcasting it instead. Ski resorts and other tourist spots were closed. In Taiwan, officials held a fireworks show near the iconic Taipei 101 tower. A New Year’s morning flag-raising ceremony took place in front of the Presidential Office Building, but it was limited to government officials and invited guests. Taiwan is seen as a success story in fighting COVID-19, registering only seven deaths and fewer than 1,000 total cases, the Associated Press reported. COVID-19 is the …