Hong Kong to host a virtual New Year�s Eve celebration
29-December-2020

Countdown to a new year has already begun. As the world is eagerly waiting for 2020 to end, given the Coronavirus pandemic situation, Hong Kong has decided to host a virtual New Year�s Eve celebration. Hong Kong will be hosting a celebration digitally so that the world could enjoy the celebrations from the safety of their homes.

The whole world can be a part of virtual celebration on the city�s tourism board�s website, Facebook page, and YouTube channel.

On December 31, the festivities will begin with a virtual live countdown at 11 PM (local time), and as the clock strikes midnight, a two-minute video featuring Hong Kong�s prominent landmarks will also play.

Bill Flora, the USA director of the Hong Kong Tourism Board said, "The COVID-19 pandemic is not going to stop us from sharing festive cheers with the rest of the world, so we have created an innovative new online format for the Hong Kong New Year Countdown Celebrations this year that enables people to watch from their homes while practicing social distancing for their safety.�

He further said that this new livestream format will allow people from across the globe to be a part of this annual event and also to �send a positive message to the world that Hong Kong's lively and welcoming spirit remains strong."

Meanwhile, the Hong Kong government has increased its mandatory quarantine period to 21 days for visitors coming from outside China. Also travelers from the UK and South Africa have been banned because of newly discovered COVID-19 strains.

On the other hand, other destinations too have decided to celebrate New Year�s Eve online. Times Square in New York City will ring in 2021 by organising a virtual fete.