New York: New York Mayor de Blasio on Thursday, Dec. 23 announced “scaled-back” Times Square New Year’s Eve celebrations, with fewer revelers and everyone required to wear a mask.
“New Yorkers have stepped up tremendously over the past year—we are leading the way on vaccinations, we have reopened safely, and every day we work toward building a recovery for all of us,” said Mayor Bill de Blasio. “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.”
“New York is the best place in the world to celebrate New Year’s Eve and now it will be one of the safest against COVID as well,” said Mayor-elect Eric Adams. “The Mayor has made the right move to take precautionary measures as we learn to live with COVID and fight the Omicron variant—and New Yorkers and visitors alike can now enjoy Times Square and the rest of our city as we ring in 2022.”
Normally hosting approximately 58,000 people in viewing areas, this year’s celebration will host approximately 15,000 people, and visitors won’t be allowed entry until 3:00 PM, much later than in past years. The health and safety of every guest is the priority of Times Square New Year’s Eve 2022.
The Times Square New Year’s Eve organizers will require full vaccinations for all in-person revelers. “Fully vaccinated” means that on the date of December 31, 2021, a reveler is at least 14 days after their second dose of a two-dose COVID-19 vaccine OR at least 14 days after their single dose of an approved single-dose COVID-19 vaccine.
Attendees who are age 5 or over must present proof of COVID-19 vaccination to enter the event. Proof of vaccination must include a Food and Drug Administration (FDA) or World Health Organization (WHO) approved COVID-19 vaccine. These are Pfizer, Moderna, Johnson & Johnson, AstraZeneca/Oxford, Sinopharm or Sinovac.
Unvaccinated minors under the age of 5 must be accompanied by a vaccinated adult to enter the event. The vaccinated adult must present proof of a Food and Drug Administration or World Health Organization approved COVID-19 vaccine. These are Pfizer, Moderna, Johnson & Johnson, AstraZeneca/Oxford, Sinopharm or Sinovac. Face coverings are required for unvaccinated minors who are medically able to tolerate a face-covering.
Persons who are unable to get vaccinated because of a disability will be required to present proof of a negative COVID PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) test taken within 72 hours prior to the event
The Times Square New Year’s Eve commercial-free webcast will cover the action and festivities in Times Square, beginning with the Ball Raising at 6 p.m. EST, plus live musical performances, hourly countdowns, behind-the-scenes stories, and star-studded interviews as anticipation builds towards the midnight countdown and the famous Ball Drop. The webcast will be streamed live on multiple websites
Additionally, Jamestown, the owner of One Times Square – home of the iconic New Year’s Eve Ball Drop Celebration – will bring back its virtual New Year’s Eve experience with the VNYE app. Through the VNYE app, people from across the globe can explore the virtual world of Times Square, play games, and livestream New Year’s Eve celebrations in Times Square and around the world.
A number of broadcast networks will be airing elements of the Times Square celebration.
