2021 kicked off at around 11am our time with residents of Australian and New Zealand celebrating. New Zealand – being Covid-free – has no restrictions in place, while Australia had muted public celebrations. Asian countries like Korea, Malaysia and Singapore followed suit.
5. New Year's Eve fireworks erupt over Sydney's iconic Harbour Bridge and Opera House (L) during the fireworks show on January 1, 2021.
New Year's Eve fireworks erupt over Sydney's iconic Harbour Bridge and Opera House (L) during the fireworks show on January 1, 2021. Photo: SAEED KHAN
6. People with sparklers lit up celebrate the New Year at Federation Square during New Year's Eve celebrations on January 1, 2021 in Melbourne, Australia. Celebrations look different this year as COVID-19 restrictions remain in place due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.
People with sparklers lit up celebrate the New Year at Federation Square during New Year's Eve celebrations on January 1, 2021 in Melbourne, Australia. Celebrations look different this year as COVID-19 restrictions remain in place due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. Photo: Asanka Ratnayake
7. The Sydney Harbour fireworks display is seen over a near-empty Sydney Opera House forecourt during New Year's Eve celebrations on January 01, 2021 in Sydney, Australia. Amidst a new outbreak of COVID-19 in Sydney, the normally 12-minute long midnight pyrotechnic display has been shortened to seven minutes. New COVID-19 restrictions are also in effect across NSW with household gatherings limited to five guests in greater Sydney, Wollongong, the Central Coast and Blue Mountains. Sydney's Northern Beaches remain in lockdown as health authorities work to contain current coronavirus cluster outbreaks in the community.
The Sydney Harbour fireworks display is seen over a near-empty Sydney Opera House forecourt during New Year's Eve celebrations on January 01, 2021 in Sydney, Australia. Amidst a new outbreak of COVID-19 in Sydney, the normally 12-minute long midnight pyrotechnic display has been shortened to seven minutes. New COVID-19 restrictions are also in effect across NSW with household gatherings limited to five guests in greater Sydney, Wollongong, the Central Coast and Blue Mountains. Sydney's Northern Beaches remain in lockdown as health authorities work to contain current coronavirus cluster outbreaks in the community. Photo: Brook Mitchell