The Mayor of Paris cancels fireworks and concerts planned for New Year’s Eve, as Omicron spreads across France

Annual New Year’s Eve fireworks have been cancelled in France, as Omicron spreads across the country. The new year will not be starting off with a bang, with officials cracking down on festivities.

Omicron concerns

Increasing concern over the infectious Omicron variant has prompted authorities to impose restrictions. French Prime Minister Jean Castex has banned major public parties and fireworks on New Year’s Eve.

The Scientific Council on Covid-19 has also warned of the acceleration of the pandemic and the risks related to the celebrations.

Gatherings at Paris Town Hall and on the Champs-Elysées have been called off, which are two of the most prominent locations to bring in the new year.

This comes as countries across Europe propose tougher restrictions to battle the new variant.

Germany has labelled France and Denmark as a “high-risk” zone, mandating quarantine restrictions for unvaccinated travellers.