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Coronavirus: Omicron spreads global gloom over New Year’s celebrations

  • Instead of parties and long-awaited gatherings, people around the world are facing rising case numbers and even more restrictions
  • Top US disease expert Anthony Fauci warns situation is ‘going to get worse before it gets better’

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A locked gate blocks access to the Holzmarkt 25 bar area on the banks of the river Spree in Berlin on Monday. Photo: AFP

As Omicron spreads ever more gloom around the globe ahead of New Year’s Eve, governments are moving at different speeds to contain the scourge, with some reimposing restrictions immediately and others hesitating to spoil the party again.

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In Britain, where the highly contagious variant of the coronavirus has sent caseloads soaring to record highs, Health Secretary Sajid Javid said Monday no further restrictions will be introduced in England before the new year.

New daily infections in England are hovering around 100,000, and hospital admissions were up more than 70 per cent on Christmas from a week earlier.

“When we get into the new year, of course, we will see then if we do need to take any further measures, but nothing more until then, at least,” Javid said.

Workers add the number 2 to the numerals above Times Square on Sunday ahead of New Year’s Eve celebrations in New York. Photo: Reuters
Workers add the number 2 to the numerals above Times Square on Sunday ahead of New Year’s Eve celebrations in New York. Photo: Reuters

Elsewhere in the United Kingdom, though, nightclubs have been ordered closed and limits on gatherings imposed in Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales, leaving the country divided in its approach to the crisis.

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