+

Cookies on the Business Insider India website

Business Insider India has updated its Privacy and Cookie policy. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the better experience on our website. If you continue without changing your settings, we\'ll assume that you are happy to receive all cookies on the Business Insider India website. However, you can change your cookie setting at any time by clicking on our Cookie Policy at any time. You can also see our Privacy Policy.

Close
HomeQuizzoneWhatsappShare Flash Reads
 

New York City scales back iconic New Year's Eve party at Times Square and requires masks to be worn as Omicron infections spike

Dec 24, 2021, 15:12 IST
Business Insider
A view of the 2022 New Year's Eve Numeral upon arrival in the Times Square of New York City, United States on December 20, 2021. The seven-foot-tall numerals will sit high above Times Square and light up at midnight on New Year's Eve.Tayfun Coskun/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images
  • New York City's Times Square New Year's Eve celebration will be scaled down this year.
  • The party will be limited to 15,000 people in viewing areas — down from 58,000 pre-pandemic.
Advertisement

New York City will scale back its New Year's Eve party at Times Square this year as COVID-19 infections spike, Mayor Bill de Blasio announced Thursday.

This year's celebration will be limited to 15,000 people in viewing areas — down from 58,000 pre-pandemic. According to the city's website, visitors will also not be allowed to enter until 3 p.m., much later than in the past.

Partygoers must be fully vaccinated and must also wear masks at all times.

"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," de Blasio said.

New York is currently in the grip of a new wave of COVID-19 infections. On Wednesday, the state's Department of Health reported 38,835 new positive cases. Of those, 22,808 cases were in New York City, according to the office of Gov. Kathy Hochul.

Advertisement

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimated the omicron variant of the coronavirus to account for over 90% of cases in the metro area, which includes New York and New Jersey.

You are subscribed to notifications!
Looks like you've blocked notifications!
Next Article