(Photo credit: Associated Press)
New York City will welcome back attendees to its annual ball drop tonight in Times Square, albeit at a limited capacity; one year after only allowing essential personnel due to the pandemic.
Previously, up to 58,000 people could attend, but this year New York City will cap tonight’s ball drop to 15,000, and no one will be permitted before 3:00 PM. Attendees must take proof of a COVID-19 vaccination, a photo ID, and a mask. Despite some health officials pushing for the city to cancel the ball drop, current New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio discussed proceeding with this annual event while pushing for vaccinations in an interview on NBC's Today Show.
After the ball drops at midnight, Mayor-elect Eric Adams will be sworn in as the 110th Mayor of New York City.