Times Square on New Year’s Eve.Photo: Gary Hershorn/Corbis via Getty
TheTimes SquareNew Year’s Eve event has been “scaled down” in an effort to protect attendees amid the rising cases of COVID-19 sweeping the nation, New York City Mayor Bill de Blasioannounced on Thursday.
“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,” saidMayor de Blasioper a news release posted to the Official Website of the City of New York.
“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,” he added.
New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio.Scott Heins/Getty
Some of those additional safety measures include attendees showing proof of vaccination against COVID-19 along with a photo ID and wearing masks at all times.
All event-goers over the age of 5 must be fully vaccinated – meaning that they received their second dose of any approved COVID vaccine at least 14 days before Dec. 31 to those who are unable to get the vaccine because of medical exemption, will need to present proof of a negative COVID test taken within 72 hours of the big event.
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Viewing areas for those attending the event have also been scaled down to accommodate social distancing safety measures – typically, the event hosts around 58,000 people a year; however, in light of the alarming rise in positive COVID cases in the United States only 15,000 people will be in attendance.
Additionally, Times Square visitors won’t be allowed entry into the event until 3 p.m., which is much later than previous years.
David Dee Delgado/Getty Images
“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 A. 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.”
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source: people.com
