Fully vaccinated people will be allowed to celebrate NYE in Times Square
New Year’s Eve celebrations on Jan. 1, 2021, in New York City. Photo: Alexi Rosenfeld/Getty Images
New York City will allow people who are fully vaccinated to celebrate New Year's Eve in Times Square this year, Mayor Bill de Blasio said Tuesday.
Why it matters: Last year's event did not have a public audience due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Details: Revelers must show proof of vaccination and a valid photo ID, officials said.
- Those who cannot get vaccinated due to a disability need to show a negative COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours of the event, Times Square Alliance President Tom Harris said at a news conference. They must also wear a mask if they can.
- Children who are under 5 will have to be with someone who has proof of vaccination, Harris added.
What they're saying: “We want to welcome all those hundreds of thousands of folks, but everyone needs to be vaccinated,” De Blasio said.
- “Join the crowd, join the joy, join a historic moment as New York City provides further evidence to the world that we are 100% back," he added.
Between the lines: New Year's Eve is De Blasio's last day in office. "That will leave any fallout from the event in the hands of Mr. [Eric] Adams, who will be inaugurated on Jan. 1, 2022," the New York Times writes.