Taipei, Dec. 28, (dpa/GNA) – Taipei’s iconic New Year’s Eve fireworks display will still take place despite stricter virus prevention rules, officials said on Monday, though other celebration events will be cancelled.
Hou You-yi, mayor of New Taipei City, with a population of 4 million, said that some outdoor year-end events will be cancelled, including a 10-minute riverside fireworks show in Bali.
“It’s difficult to collect all names of a number of participants in outdoor events,” Hou said.
Taiwan on Tuesday reported its first locally transmitted Covid-19 case since April 12. The Central Epidemic Command Centre (CECC) then announced that New Year’s revellers are required to provide their names to event organizers. They will have to wear a mask at all times and are not allowed to consume any food or drinks except water.
In addition, anyone with suspected symptoms of Covid-19 or subject to quarantine who attends such events will face penalties, said the CECC.
In Taipei, a final countdown New Year’s Eve party will be still held on Thursday at the square in front of Taipei City Hall.
The CECC told dpa on Monday that all local governments will have to follow virus prevention and social distancing rules in order to minimize the risk.
Usually, hundreds of thousands of revellers gather in front of the city hall to enjoy the fireworks show at the nearby 509-metre-tall Taipei 101 high-rise building.
According to the Taipei 101 management, about 16,000 fireworks will be used during the five-minute display.
As of Monday, Taiwan has reported just 793 Covid-19 cases, with seven virus-related deaths.
GNA