Major Announces Mask Policy for Visiting Time Square on New Year Eve
Major Announces Mask Policy for Visiting Time Square on New Year's Eve
Residents of New York City will be required to wear masks during this year's New Year's Eve celebrations in order to protect themselves from the Omicron virus.
The requirement was announced on Thursday by outgoing Mayor Bill de Blasio as a way to ensure the safety of visitors to the city. The mayor spoke at a press conference about the steps the city will be taking to ensure that the annual New Year's Eve celebration does not become a "superspreader" for COVID-19, which is taking place this year.
Mayor Bill de Blasio praised New Yorkers for their efforts over the past year. "We are setting the standard for vaccinations, we have safely reopened, and we are working every day to help everyone recover," he said. As the New Year approaches, there is much to be thankful for, and these additional safety measures will help to ensure that the fully vaccinated crowd remains safe and healthy.
Mayor-elect Eric Adams was in attendance for the announcement and expressed his support for de Blasio's decision. During his remarks, Adams stated that the requirements will ensure that New Yorkers continue to enjoy one of their largest annual celebrations for the foreseeable future.
According to Adams, "the Mayor made the correct decision to take precautionary measures as we learn to live with COVID and combat the Omicron variant—and now New Yorkers and visitors alike can enjoy Times Square and the rest of our city as we ring the New Year in 2022."
This Year Compare to Previous Years
This year's celebration will only draw about 15,000 people, according to the city, compared to previous years when the event attracted around 58,000 people. Additionally, visitors will not be permitted to enter until 3:00 p.m. ET, which is much later than in previous years. Additionally, attendees will be required to show proof of vaccination as well as adhere to the social distancing guidelines established by Times Square.
It has already been reported in New York City, which was previously known as the epicenter of the COVID-19 pandemic, that the new Omicron variant has emerged. De Blasio, who will step down as mayor on Jan. 1, has urged President Joe Biden to use the Defense Production Act to increase the city's supply of at-home testing kits and antiviral pills, which are currently in short supply.
At this point, New York City estimates that 80 percent of its residents have received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccination, with 71.5 percent having received the entire regimen.
The city's five boroughs have seen an average of 114 hospitalizations and 12,613 active cases over the course of a seven-day period.
