<span style="color: #222222;">This year's Independence Day celebrations typified the new normal in times of COVID-19. A kit containing a mask, a small bottle of hand sanitizer and a pair of gloves kept on all chairs which were neatly separated to maintain the prescribed distance at Red Fort clearly showed the transformation in times of COVID-19.</span><br />'' <span style="color: #222222;">   </span><br />'' <span style="color: #222222;">Known otherwise to witness bustling crowds across many age groups, the annual grand event at the historic Red Fort was scaled down this year in keeping with prescribed safety protocols to contain the spread of the novel Coronavirus that has wrecked havoc across the world.</span><br />'' <span style="color: #222222;"> </span><br />'' <span style="color: #222222;">At the main entrance, the limited number of guests invited for the event underwent thermal scanning by security personnel donning personal protective equipment kit, while hands-free sanitiser dispensers were kept near security gates.</span><br />'' <span style="color: #222222;"> </span><br />'' <span style="color: #222222;">Social distancing norms were also in place on the rampart where the VVIPs were seated.</span><br />'' <span style="color: #222222;"> </span><br />'' <span style="color: #222222;">Every year, a sea of school children add youthful energy to the grand event, but amid the Coronavirus scare, they were not present on the occasion this year.</span><br />'' <span style="color: #222222;"> </span><br />'' <span style="color: #222222;">Colourful carpets in enclosure and aisles contrast seating and walking areas, and posters bearing social distancing norms messages dot the venue.</span><br />'' <span style="color: #222222;"> </span><br />'' <span style="color: #222222;">Guests, security staff, VIPs, all were sporting masks as prescribed under the safety norms. Some guests were even seen sporting designer masks to add to the uniqueness of the event that embraces the 'new normal' brought in by the Coronavirus pandemic.</span><br />