World welcomes New Year 2021 in a muted fashion amid COVID-19 pandemic - See Pics

NEW DELHI/LONDON: New Year 2021 celebrations across the globe largely remained muted and overshadowed by the deadly coronavirus pandemic as governments and leaders warned people to remain cautious and take preventive measures to stop the spread of the deadly virus. Even as the world welcomes the New Year with high hopes and warmth, the governments around the world pleaded with people not to see in 2021 with traditional New Year's Eve parties and street celebrations for fear of accelerating the spread of coronavirus.

 

(Wuhan, once the world’s COVID-19 epicenter, celebrates 2021 with large crowds)

(People enjoy the music in the Americas Cup Village during New Year's Eve celebrations in Auckland, New Zealand, on December 31, 2020.)

The famous fireworks at Sydney Harbour remained as beautiful as ever. The only difference was the bustling crowd that could not be seen as Australia welcomed the new year 2021. (Image: Reuters)

People wearing masks in Tokyo visited the holy shrines to observe the new year 2021 and perform their rituals. Social distancing was maintained to keep the pandemic in check. (Image: Reuters)

Streets in New Delhi remained mostly empty following the curfew orders passed earlier, which disallowed all celebratory events and gatherings in public places from 11 pm on December 31. (Image: PTI)

DJ David Guetta conducted a New Year's Eve virtual concert from the legendary Louvre Museum in Paris, as restrictions remained throughout France in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic. (Image: Reuters)

The New Year celebration at Times Square in New York is popular all over the world. The coronavirus ravaged New York City has beefed up security this time to stop people from congregating at Times Square. Only a few frontline workers and their families were allowed. (Image: Reuters)

Fireworks are launched from the Taipei 101 commercial building to celebrate the New Year 2021 in Taipei.