Kanishka Sharma

(Reuters] – New York has decided to limit the number allowed in Times Square this New Year’s Eve. Mayor Bill de Blasio made the announcement on Thursday in response a rash of coronavirus infections caused by Omicron virus.

COVID-19, the virus that causes COVID-19, is looming over festivities for the second consecutive year. This event draws large crowds to midtown Manhattan’s famous intersection. Following hours of live entertainment the night ends with midnight’s drop of a gigantic crystal ball that signals the start of the next year. The event is watched by millions around the globe via television.

The city will limit partygoers to a small fraction of usual numbers in order to allow more social isolation. Parties will need to present proof of vaccination and be wearing masks.

De Blasio stated in a statement that “Normally hosting around 58,000 people at viewing areas,” this year’s celebration would host about 15,000 people.

Additionally, the admission for viewing areas will open at 3:00 p.m. rather than previous years.

When COVID-19 was still in its early stages, only a few people were invited to the party, which included essential workers as well as their families.

Over the years, tens to thousands of merrymakers – many of them tourists – have crowded Times Square every New Year’s Eve. They waited for the moment when the shimmering ball would glide down a pole atop a high-rise in the last seconds of the year. The crowd bursts into cheers, hugs and kisses when the ball hits the ground.

Omicron has been responsible for an increase in COVID-19 cases in the United States. It was detected first in November.

Eric Adams, the New York City Mayor-elect, supported de Blasio’s Thursday announcement. Adams will be taking office January 1. Adams indicated that Adams’ administration would continue to monitor the situation, and will take any additional measures in the days ahead if necessary.

Adams announced earlier this week that he would postpone his Jan. 1 inauguration ceremony due to an increase in Omicron cases.