Attendees of the celebration will not only need to provide proof of full vaccination status, but will also be required to wear masks for the duration of the event.
The event, which typically hosts upwards of 58,000 patrons to watch the now famous Ball Drop to ring in the New Year, the crowd welcoming 2022 will be limited to just 15,000.
Additionally, patrons will only be allowed to start gathering around Times Square in preparation for the event starting at 3 p.m, which is later than normal.
“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 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.”
As per usual, the event will be live streamed online as well as receiving news coverage for television.