Topline
New York City’s annual New Year’s Eve festivities in Times Square will be pared back because of Covid-19 safety concerns, Mayor Bill de Blasio announced Thursday, with holiday celebrations in other places being curtailed or cancelled entirely because of the surge in omicron cases nationwide.
A view of the New Year’s Eve Ball during the 2021 New Year's Eve celebration in New York City’s ... [+]
Key Facts
De Blasio said revelers will have to wear masks at the outdoor event, and only 15,000 people will be permitted in viewing areas to watch the famous ball drop to mark the new year, instead of the typical 58,000, to allow for social distancing.
They will be allowed entry at 3 p.m., much later than in years past.
Key Background
The city had previously announced all attendees would have to show proof of vaccination with a photo ID. Times Square was closed to crowds last year in favor of a virtual ball-dropping ceremony because of the pandemic. The status of this year’s festivities was uncertain until Thursday’s announcement, given that many city restaurants and holiday shows have shuttered recently because of the rapid spread of the omicron coronavirus variant.
Tangent
Earlier this week Fox became the first network to announce it was cancelling its Times Square New Year’s coverage due to the variant’s spread.
Further Reading
New Year’s Eve In Times Square Will Be Scaled Back, With Just 15,000 Fully-Vaccinated And Masked Spectators (Gothamist)
Times Square New Year’s Eve celebration will be scaled back, city says (CNN)
Fox Cancels ‘New Year’s Eve Toast & Roast’ Due to Omicron Surge (Variety)
The Times Square ball drop's history: Crowds muted by coronavirus pandemic (Washington Post)
The Origins of the Times Square Ball Drop (New York Times)