Omicron spreads global gloom over New Year’s celebrations

By RAF CASERT
Associated Press

BRUSSELS (AP) — New Year celebrations are approaching and across the world there is an urge to party. But the desire to let loose is being countered by the highly transmissible omicron variant. Governments are moving at different speeds to contain the pandemic, with some reimposing restrictions immediately and others hesitating to spoil the party again. In Britain, where caseloads have soared to record highs, Health Secretary Sajid Javid says no further restrictions will be introduced in England before the new year. In France, Prime Minister Jean Castex announced a set of restrictions set to kick in next week.