New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio announced on Thursday that the traditional New Year's Eve celebration in Times Square will have a reduced crowd size and a mask rule in place due to the increase in COVID-19 cases and spread of the Omicron variant, ABC7 reported on Thursday.
De Blasio also announced several new safety measures, including a requirement for attendees to wear masks. Viewing areas will also be filled with fewer people to allow for social distancing.