Skopje, 31 December 2021 (MIA) – Citizens of North Macedonia are set to welcome 2022 with eased COVID-19 restrictions for New Year's Eve celebrations. Despite the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, New Year's Eve celebrations are planned to be held across the country in squares, tourist resorts, cafés, restaurants, pubs, unlike last year when precautionary measures, including restrictions and bans were introduced. Some countries worldwide have cancelled New Year's Eve celebrations amid surge in COVID-19 cases. New Year's Eve party in the Macedonia Square in Skopje will kick off at 9:00 pm with the live performances of bands Puka Kozmetika, DNK, Nokaut, including folk singers Naum Petreski and Zuica Lazova and DJ Slave. Minister of Interior Oliver Spasovski wished all citizens a Happy New Year and urged them to celebrate responsibly in order to keep themselves and their loved ones safe. “Let’s not drive if we drink alcohol, not make our absence from our home public, thus making it more attractive for burglars, report any suspicious activities to the nearest police station. Let’s leave fireworks to professionals because it is better to celebrate with loved ones than in hospitals. The police will be active but let’s refrain from incidents, because they only ruin the holiday spirit,” says Minister Spasovski in the New Year’s address.