Paris cancels New Year fireworks as Omicron fears deepen

Paris says it is calling off its New Year fireworks as Europe braces for tighter curbs to rein in a highly mutated strain of the coronavirus that is fueling a resurgence in COVID-19 cases across the world.

EU chief Ursula von der Leyen warns that the Omicron variant could be dominant in Europe by mid-January.

Many countries have decided to reintroduce travel restrictions and other containment measures since it was first detected in South Africa last month.

A scientific panel that advises the French government urges “significant restrictions” on New Year festivities, and the capital announces “with regret” that it is canceling all events on the Champs Elysees.

“The fireworks will not take place, nor unfortunately will there be any DJ sets,” the Paris mayor’s office tells AFP.