New York City Will Proceed With NYE Ball Drop Despite Rise in COVID-19 Cases

New York City will bring in the new year like it always has despite the increased number of COVID-19 cases in the city. 

Times Square is ready to go up once again for the NYE countdown. On Thursday, Mayor De Blasio told NBC Today that he wants to show the world that New York City is “fighting our way through this,” WISTV. “We’ve got to send a message to the world. New York City is open,” he continued.

The NYE celebration was more restricted last year, and this time around, city officials say there will be a more exclusive event with smaller crowds and a vaccination requirement. 

Once the ball drops, the news outlet reports Eric Adams, the city’s next mayor, will take his oath of office. 

The city of New York has hit a record number of COVID-19 cases, with over 39,590 confirmed cases. De Blasio says 91 percent of New Yorkers are vaccinated.