Wuhan, China, once the epicenter of the coronavirus pandemic, saw a packed crowd ringing in the New Year late Thursday, a scene that contrasted sharply with other parts of the world holding smaller celebrations due to the virus.
Thousands were seen in the city, where the COVID-19 outbreak was first reported just a year ago. According to reports, people were seen going to clubs and celebrating by releasing balloons.
However, the photos showed that crowds of people were still wearing face masks.
Wuhan reported a total of 50,354 confirmed cases of COVID-19 on Sunday, according to the Wuhan Municipal Health Commission.
While the city has largely recovered from the coronavirus pandemic, a recent study published this week found that the number of cases was likely higher than initially reported.
As many as half a million residents of the Chinese city may have been infected with the virus, about 10 times more than the initially recorded number of confirmed cases.
In the US, December was the deadliest month of the pandemic, with more than 63,000 deaths so far. April was previously the deadliest month of the pandemic, with more than 55,000 dead.
Officials in the United States urged Americans to avoid large New Year’s Eve rallies as the virus continues to spread. New York City’s annual celebration in Times Square was held, but with a new format, including virtual performances and smaller crowds.
The images in New York contrast sharply with Wuhan, but the party was still packed with celebrity performances and musical performances.
Photos showed a quieter Time’s Square, with people in the neighborhood wearing masks and social distances.