What is happening about the NYE Ball Drop?
New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio told reporters on December 20 that due to the current increase in cases and the Omicron variant, the city was reviewing the situation with the Times Square Alliance. He promised that an announcement would be made before Christmas.
Talking of the current plan, De Blasio said it entails, “crucial good elements: vaccinated folks only and outdoors.”
“If we have to modify those plans in a way, we’re certainly going to let people know that in just the next few days,” de Blasio added.
In November, the Times Square Alliance announced that crowds would be able to return to the annual New Year’s Eve celebration, but that spectators entering the festivities would be required to provide proof of full vaccination and personal identification.
New York City’s Times Square Ball Drop
The event is watched by an estimated one billion people around the world annually, and hundreds of thousands of revelers in Times Square itself. In celebration of the New Year, a 12-foot ball, comprised of 2,688 Waterford Crystal triangles, drops to count down the last seconds of the outgoing year. Last year, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Ball Drop was held without spectators, due to concerns over the spread of the virus.
Tom Harris, President of the Times Square Alliance said in November that organizers are thrilled “to welcome a full house of revelers back to Times Square to celebrate the New Year.”
“Now more than ever we need to come together to revive our favorite traditions with our loved ones – reflecting on a tough year behind us while looking forward to a new year with hope,” he added.
History of the event
The iconic Ball Drop celebration has been held every year since 1907, with only a pause between 1942 and 1943 when the city had a “dim out” of lights due to the ongoing war.
According to the Times Square Alliance, crowds did gather back then, but did so with a minute’s silence, followed by the sound of chimes that were broadcast from trucks parked at the base of Times Tower. The video below gives a brief history of the Ball Drop event.
How can you attend the Times Square Ball Drop?
To be able to attend the celebration, you will be required to provide proof of full vaccination with an FDA or World Health Organization COVID-19 vaccine. You will also need to provide a photo ID to enter the area where the celebration is held.
There will be no tickets for the event and revelers will be admitted on a first-come, first-served basis. Typically, crowds begin gathering in Times Square during the early afternoon to get a good spot, while the festivities kick off at around 6 pm EST.
Details of vaccination requirements
To be able to attend the festivities on December 31, 2021, you must be a minimum of 14 days past the second dose of a two-dose COVID-19 vaccine, or 14 days after receiving an approved single-dose COVID-19 vaccine. At this stage, there is no requirement for a booster jab.
As for children, those who are aged five and up will also need to present proof of vaccination. However, children under the age of five, who are not yet eligible for vaccination, must be accompanied by a fully vaccinated adult.
It is not possible to present a negative COVID-19 test result instead of proof of vaccination. However, the Ball Drop event does offer an exception for anyone who can prove they are medically unable to receive the vaccine. However, in that case, they must provide proof of a negative COVID-19 PCR test, taken within 72 hours of the event. They must also wear a mask throughout the duration of the celebration.
Readers can find information about the full schedule of the New York City Ball Drop event here.
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Photos credit: Deposit Photos, Instagram