Fireworks Welcome New Year in Sydney

Sydney ushered in the new year Saturday with a dazzling firework show, as the city pressed on with its iconic display despite recording its highest daily total of coronavirus cases since the pandemic began. Many countries have scaled back New Year celebrations to contain rampant contagion from the omicron coronavirus variant, but celebrations proceeded in Sydney as normal after last year's plans were toned down due to COVID-19. The fireworks were launched from barges around the harbor, as well as the Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge for the traditional 12-minute display. (Reuters)