HONG KONG, Dec. 4 (Xinhua) -- Hong Kong will cancel its annual New Year Countdown fireworks display and Chinese Lunar New Year parade due to the COVID-19 pandemic, said the events' organizer the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) on Friday.
The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region government has announced tightened social distancing measures to suppress the spread of the COVID-19 as a new wave of the pandemic hits the region, the board explained in a statement.
Playing its part in fighting the virus, the HKTB said it has made new arrangements for upcoming mega events including New Year Countdown Celebrations and Chinese Lunar New Year Celebrations.
As regards annual New Year Countdown Celebrations to be held at midnight of Dec. 31 each year, the board said there will be no fireworks display over Victoria Harbour for this year's New Year Countdown due to the need to uphold social distancing measures.
Besides, the board said that no parade will be held in 2021 Chinese Lunar New Year Celebrations as overseas performing groups are unable to join the event due to lasting travel restrictions.
The board holds a night parade on the first day of Chinese Lunar New Year, traditionally inviting renowned performing groups from different parts of the world.
Although Hong Kong residents and tourists will not be able to enjoy the parade during the forthcoming Chinese Lunar New Year, the board said instead it's exploring to organize an online and offline combined event to celebrate the annual event. Enditem
