NEW YORK (1010 WINS) -- The New Year’s Eve celebration in Times Square will be scaled back this year as the New York City area sees a surge in cases with the rise of the omicron variant.
Mayor Bill de Blasio announced the scaled-back event and new health and safety measures Thursday.
De Blasio said that in addition to requiring proof of full vaccination with a valid photo ID, attendees will also be required to wear masks.
Viewing areas will also be filled with fewer people to allow for social distancing, the mayor said.
"This year’s holiday season may not be the one we had hoped for, but we can still have a happy holiday season," said Health Commissioner Dr. Dave Chokshi. "All New Yorkers should get vaccinated and boosted as soon as possible. Wear a quality face mask and stay home if you’re feeling sick, no matter how mild your symptoms."
While 58,000 people are normally allowed in viewing areas, this year’s celebration will host only 15,000 people. Visitors also won’t be allowed entry until 3 p.m., much later than in years’ past.
Additionally, attendees who are age 5 or over must present proof of a Food and Drug Administration or World Health Organization approved COVID-19 vaccination such as Pfizer, Moderna, AstraZeneca/Oxford, or Johnson & Johnson to enter the event.
Those who are unable to get vaccinated because of a disability will be required to present proof of a negative COVID PCR test taken within 72 hours prior to the event.
De Blasio said he would make a decision about the New Year’s bash this week as concerns about rising COVID-19 cases and the omicron variant grew.
This is the second year in a row that the event has been curtailed, although this year’s event will be larger than last year’s, when Times Square was closed to the public.
“New Yorkers have stepped up tremendously over the past year—we are leading the way on vaccinations, we have reopened safely, and every day we work toward building a recovery for all of us,” de Blasio said in a statement. “There is a lot to celebrate and these additional safety measures will keep the fully vaccinated crowd safe and healthy as we ring in the New Year.”
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