NYC To Bring Back In-Person New Year’s Eve, What You Need To Know
Times Square will be bringing back an in-person New Year’s Eve celebration, Mayor Bill de Blasio announced Tuesday per NBC4.
All attendees will need to bring proof of full vaccination — that includes anyone eligible, those ages 5 and older — and a valid photo ID, the outlet reports. Apart from that requirement, there won’t be a cap on the Times Square crowd this Dec. 31.
If you’re unable to get a COVID-19 vaccine because of a disability you can still attend the ball drop but proof of a negative PCR test within 72 hours of arrival must be provided. Kids under five years of age must be accompanied by a vaccinated adult and they currently do not need proof of a negative PCR test.
Masks are mandatory for those who can’t be vaccinated because of age, medical, or other approved reasons.
“Everyone come on down,” de Blasio said. “We are proud to announce the ball drop, everything, coming back full strength, hundreds of people there to celebrate. We can finally get back together again. It’s going to be amazing.”
Ahead of the mayor’s announcement, large events such as the Halloween parade, Veterans Day Parade, and NYC Marathon have proven to be successful in regards to handling the safety of large crowds amidst the pandemic. NYPD Commissioner Dermot Shea told the outlet that he’s confident in New York’s safety.
“I think we’re in good shape, It’s going to be a combination of a lot of police officers and detectives out there. We’ll have counterterrorism overlays. We’ll also have to respond to any intelligence or threats … and that’s important for New Yorkers to know. But that’s something that we’re literally working with our federal partners day- to-day on,” he said. “So we’ll be ready. We’re really looking forward to it.”
