The celebration in Times Square typically holds around 58,000 people in viewing areas, but this year it will be limited to 15,000 people and visitors will not be allowed entry into the area until 3 p.m., the office said in a news release.
Additionally, everyone will be required to wear a mask and show photo identification at the fully-outdoor event, de Blasio’s office said.
As previously announced, all visitors to the Times Square celebration are required to show proof of vaccination if they are older than 5. Any unvaccinated children younger than 5 must be accompanied by a vaccinated adult to attend, the mayor’s office said.
On Monday, de Blasio said city officials were reviewing plans for the event in light of a Covid-19 case surge and the spread of the highly transmissible Omicron variant of the coronavirus.
In November, de Blasio announced the return of a “big, strong, full strength” in-person New Year’s Eve celebration in Times Square this year following its virtual event last year due to pandemic concerns.
The usual countdown and famous ball drop happened last year, but no crowds were allowed on the streets. Other cities also held scaled-back celebrations.
source: cnn.com