Omicron spreads global gloom over New Year’s celebrations

As New Year celebrations approach, the omicron variant is casting more gloom. Several countries are considering more restrictions to add to the patchwork of lockdowns and other measures already in place around Europe.

After struggling with the coronavirus for far too long, the world understands all too well Belgium’s word of the year, “knaldrang!” — the urge to party, the need to let loose. Yet as New Year celebrations approach, the omicron variant is casting more gloom.

Several countries are considering more restrictions to add to the patchwork of lockdowns and other measures already in place around Europe.