Fully vaccinated revellers will be allowed into Times Square to celebrate New Year’s.
New York Mayor Bill de Blasio has announced that people will be allowed to enter Times Square and attend the traditional ball drop at midnight. Proof of full vaccination or a negative Covid test if exempt will be required. "We can finally get back together again. It's going to be amazing; it's going to be a joy for this city," de Blasio said.
Revellers started celebrating New Year's Eve in Times Square in 1904 but the pandemic forced planners to cancel last year's celebration. Only a handful of essential workers and invited guests were allowed to watch the ball drop from socially distanced areas.
All revellers those aged five and older must bring proof of full vaccination and a valid photo ID. There won’t be a cap on the Times Square crowd this December 31 and the ball drop which signifies the start of the New Year usually attracts hundreds of thousands of people.
Children under five years old will have to be accompanied by a vaccinated adult. Those who are unvaccinated will have to wear a mask, the head of the Times Square Alliance, Tom Harris said.
In Europe, some major events are being cancelled due to the resurgence of Covid-19. This week, Munich became the first major German city to cancel its Christmas market. London's famous New Year's Eve fireworks display has also been cancelled for a second year running, although a celebration is still expected to take place in Trafalgar Square.
The party is ON!
The party is ON!
