New York Times Square New Year Countdown Resumes

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Cho Hyun-ui] The New Year's Eve countdown event "Ball Drop" at Times Square in New York, USA, which was skipped for a year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, will resume this year.

According to the New York Times (NYT) on the 16th (local time), New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio announced this during a virtual press conference and said, "Let's participate in this historic moment to show the world that New York City is 100% back."

The Ball Drop is a New Year's event held every December 31st in Times Square, the heart of Manhattan, New York. Before COVID-19, it attracted 1.5 million people from around the world, but due to infection concerns, last year it was held quietly and privately under strict security, and this year it will be open again.

However, only those who have completed COVID-19 vaccination can participate in the Ball Drop. Everyone aged 5 and older, including adults, must show proof of vaccination. People who cannot be vaccinated due to disabilities or other reasons must submit a negative COVID-19 test result.

This year, major events in New York, including the Ball Drop, are gradually being revived. Representative events include those hosted annually by Macy's Department Store on Independence Day and Thanksgiving.

The Washington Post (WP) reported, "Following the resumption of Macy's Independence Day fireworks in July, the Thanksgiving parade will also be held at pre-COVID-19 levels at the end of this month."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.