New York will allow crowds to ring in 2022 at Times Square, the city’s mayor Bill de Blasio has confirmed on November 17, 2021. Last year, the event was closed to spectators due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Attendees will be required to provide proof of vaccination as well as a valid photo ID. Those who are unable to get vaccinated because of medical reasons will need proof of a negative PCR test within 72 hours and must wear a mask. “We can finally get back together again. It’s going to be amazing, it’s going to be a joy for this city,” Mayor Bill de Blasio said. Children under the age of five must be accompanied by a vaccinated adult.

2020 marked the first year since 1904 that crowds were not allowed to gather at Times Square. Only a few health workers were allowed into the square to witness the ball drop celebration and they were placed in socially distanced pods. The US has recorded the highest number of COVID-19 cases globally, with 2.1 million recorded since the pandemic began. More than 765,000 people there have died, based on data from Johns Hopkins University. More details about the 2022 Time Square Ball Drop event will be announced in the coming days according to NYC officials.