Coronavirus (COVID-19) misery hungover Christmas preparations worldwide on Thursday, with countless millions forced to cancel plans or limit festivities under fresh virus lockdowns.
After a grinding pandemic year that has seen more than 1.7 million people die from COVID-19, a slew of new outbreaks are a stark reminder that despite emergency vaccine roll-outs, life is unlikely to return to normal quickly.
In Australia -- often a rare bright spot in keeping the virus in check -- a growing cluster of cases in northern Sydney has confined residents to seaside suburbs and prompted a ban on all but the smallest Christmas family gatherings.
Jimmy Arslan, who owns two cafes at the epicentre of the city’s outbreak, said trade was down 75 percent and his Canberra-based family had been forced to cancel their Christmas visit.
“It’s heartbreaking. It’s a very, very sour ending for a sour year,” the 46-year-old said.
“Let’s just say we all should welcome 2021 and kick 2020 in its arse.”
In Europe, much of the continent is enduring a dark winter of resurgent outbreaks.
Denne historien er fra December 25, 2020-utgaven av Gulf Today.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
Denne historien er fra December 25, 2020-utgaven av Gulf Today.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
Bayern's bid for 10th German League title boosted by rivals' disarray
Bayern are cruising unbeaten at the top of the league table under new coach Nagelsmann and their challengers from last season are in disarray. They have won their last nine matches in all competitions and scored at least three goals in each game
Pakistan Pavilion at Expo spotlights Balochistan
Visitors will get to see the strides women in Pakistan have made and the importance of their development
Defence cooperation between UAE, Pakistan grows stronger
Sheikh Mohamed and General Bajwa discussed relations of friendship and joint coordination between the two countries in defence and military affairs
England's Buttler reiterates to pull out of Ashes tour if not allowed to meet family in Oz
But whether the wicketkeeper-batsman also features in the five-Test Ashes series is open to doubt amid questions over the severity of COVID-19 restrictions confronting Joe Root’s men in Australia
Balmain celebrates ten years with designer at Paris Fashion Week
An emotional recorded message by Beyonce opened the evening show, paying tribute to the French designer who she said strove to put diversity at the heart of his fashion
Brazil's Palmeiras Advance To Copa Libertadores Final Again
BELO HORIZONTE: Defending champions Palmeiras booked their place in the final of the Copa Libertadores on Tuesday, securing a batling 1-1 against Brazilian rivals Atletico Mineiro to advance on away goals.
Chennai Look To Tighten Grip On Top, Hyderabad To Play For Pride
Chennai are siting at the top of the standings with 16 points, having won eight of their ten matches. They are in stupendous form and have been unbeaten in the UAE leg of the tournament. CSK have notched up three victories on the trot to maintain their stranglehold on the summit
Britain Deploys Soldiers To Deliver Fuel, Says Official
Petrol stations’ union says only 27% reported being out of gasoline while taxi drivers say there appeared to be little signs of the situation improving
Cabinet Ministers Of UAE Sworn In At Qasr Al Watan
The ministers expressed their appreciation for the trust of the leaders of the UAE
Expo 2020 Star-Studded Opening Ceremony Will Mesmerise World
Opening ceremony viewing parties will take place across the country
