2021 kicked off at around 11am our time with residents of Australian and New Zealand celebrating. New Zealand – being Covid-free – has no restrictions in place, while Australia had muted public celebrations. Asian countries like Korea, Malaysia and Singapore followed suit.
1. Fireworks are launched from the Sky Tower to mark the changing of the year on New Year's eve in Auckland, New Zealand, Thursday, Dec. 31, 2020. New Zealand and its South Pacific island neighbors have no COVID-19, and New Year celebrations there are the same as ever.
Fireworks are launched from the Sky Tower to mark the changing of the year on New Year's eve in Auckland, New Zealand, Thursday, Dec. 31, 2020. New Zealand and its South Pacific island neighbors have no COVID-19, and New Year celebrations there are the same as ever. Photo: Michael Craig
2. People watch as the Marina Bay area is lit up as part of New Year's Eve celebrations in Singapore on December 31, 2020. (Photo by Roslan RAHMAN / AFP) (Photo by ROSLAN RAHMAN/AFP via Getty Images)
People watch as the Marina Bay area is lit up as part of New Year's Eve celebrations in Singapore on December 31, 2020. Photo: ROSLAN RAHMAN
3. New Year's Eve fireworks erupt over Sydney's iconic Harbour Bridge and Opera House (L) during the fireworks show on January 1, 2021
New Year's Eve fireworks erupt over Sydney's iconic Harbour Bridge and Opera House (L) during the fireworks show on January 1, 2021. ( Photo: SAEED KHAN
4. A couple are seen kissing as they bring in the New Year at Federation Square during New Year's Eve celebrations on January 1, 2021 in Melbourne, Australia. Celebrations look different this year as COVID-19 restrictions remain in place due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. (Photo by Asanka Ratnayake/Getty Images)
A couple are seen kissing as they bring in the New Year at Federation Square during New Year's Eve celebrations on January 1, 2021 in Melbourne, Australia. Celebrations look different this year as COVID-19 restrictions remain in place due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. Photo: Asanka Ratnayake