Hello 2021: Hopeful for a 'COVID free' year, here's how these countries ushered in the new decade

Fireworks explode over the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge as New Year celebrations begin in Sydney, Australia, Friday, Jan. 1, 2021. One million people would usually crowd the Sydney Harbor to watch the annual fireworks that center on the Sydney Harbour Bridge. But this year authorities advised revelers to watch the fireworks on television as the two most populous states, New South Wales and Victoria battle to curb new COVID-19 outbreaks. (Photo | AP)

Fireworks are launched from the Sky Tower to mark the changing of the year on New Year's eve in Auckland, New Zealand, Thursday, Dec. 31, 2020. New Zealand and its South Pacific island neighbors have no COVID-19, and New Year celebrations there are the same as ever. (Photo | AP)

Fireworks detonate from the Taipei 101 building during the New Year's celebrations in Taipei, Taiwan, Friday, Jan. 1, 2021. (Photo | AP)

These images show Hotel Indonesia Roundabout in Jakarta, a popular spot for New Year's Eve celebration, taken on Thursday, Dec. 31, 2020, top photo, and Saturday, Dec. 31, 2016, bottom photo. As the world says goodbye to 2020, there will be countdowns and live performances, but no massed jubilant crowds. (Photo | AP)

Prayers count: People visited Sensoji temple on New Year's Eve in Tokyo. (Photo | AP)

It may be the start of a new decade but the novel coronavirus will still remain a defining part of it. In this photo, a woman, wearing a face mask, walks past a closed pub with New Year 2021 balloons decoration in downtown Brussels. (Photo | AP)

In Beijing, China, a security guard stands on duty as a phoenix is shown on a giant screen on Thursday. This New Year's Eve was celebrated like no other, with pandemic restrictions limiting crowds and many people bidding farewell to a year they'd prefer to forget. (Photo | AP)

In India, the biggest highlight of the new decade is perhaps the arrival of a coronavirus vaccine, above all else. In frame: People in Ahmedabad hold placards to welcome 2021. (Photo | AP)