New York City reopening Times Square for New Year's Eve celebration

By Servet Gunerigok

WASHINGTON (AA) - Iconic New York's Times Square is reopening for New Year's Eve celebrations after a one-year hiatus because of the coronavirus pandemic, city officials said Tuesday.

Revelers are required to bring proof of full vaccination and valid photo identification.

"We want to welcome all those hundreds of thousands of folks, but everyone needs to be vaccinated," Mayor Bill de Blasio said at a news conference.

"We are turning the corner. We've got a lot to celebrate. It's going to be a big moment in Times Square on New Year's Eve," he added.

New Year’s Eve celebrations in Times Square were closed to the public last year. Because of rising cases, events including the ball-drop, were hosted virtually.

The city was once the epicenter of the pandemic at the beginning of the outbreak.