New Year’s Eve fireworks to go ahead restriction-free

Authorities are resisting new Covid restrictions for Sydney’s iconic fireworks display, despite the rising tide of Omicron cases.

Sydney’s iconic New Year’s Eve fireworks will go ahead as planned with no added Covid restrictions for the hundreds of thousands expected to flock to the harbour foreshore.

Organisers are confident that if revellers take responsibility for their own welfare, the event will withstand the Omicron wave of Covid which is rapidly spreading in NSW.

While Minister for Investment and Tourism Stuart Ayres conceded the new Omicron variant “is likely to reduce numbers” of revellers, both the government and the City of Sydney have resisted ushering in any additional rules surrounding the light show.

“I would encourage people to exercise personal responsibility for their health,” Mr Ayres said.

“If outside, practice social distancing where possible and carry a mask with you in case you need it indoors.

“NYE remains an important day for our tourism and hospitality industry. Covid has not left our shores and NYE is another example of us moving forward and learning to live with the virus.“

Unlike last year’s event, for New Year’s Eve 2021 onlookers will be allowed to gather on the foreshore. Picture: Toby Zerna

The City of Sydney earlier this year backflipped on plans to cancel the 9pm show over Covid concerns, with both the earlier rendition and the midnight celebration to be helmed by the authority supported by the NSW Government.

Sydney Lord Mayor Clover Moore confirmed earlier this month the fireworks will go ahead regardless of any changes to social distancing or capacity restrictions around the foreshore.

“Local residents and the general public attending the City’s vantage points are encouraged to be fully vaccinated, look after one another, wear a mask if you can’t social distance and plan your night,” a spokeswoman for the City of Sydney told The Telegraph.

“The safety of our communities is our top priority and if you are feeling unwell, you are encouraged to stay at home.”