World welcomes 2023 amid fears of new Covid-19 outbreak, war cries

Recently lifted Covid restrictions also gave China a chance to gather and celebrate

Countries around the world have celebrated New Year, after two years of muted or cancelled events due to the Covid pandemic. Although the fear of pandemic remains, people gathered to welcome 2023.

New Year celebrations have taken place on the east coast of the United States, and in Brazil, Argentina and the Caribbean.

Cities across Europe, Africa and Asia have also held festivities with fireworks marking the start of 2023.

Recently lifted Covid restrictions gave China a chance to gather and celebrate.

Thousands gathered in central Wuhan on Saturday night to count down to the start of what many hoped would be a much