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Paper cotton fell in Times Square in the 2021 countdown when it was nearly empty underneath – Photo: REUTERS
In addition to the task of ensuring the safety of New Year’s Eve like every year, this year the New York City Police (USA) are also joining the unusual task of avoiding gatherings of any size in Times Square. Great (Time Square).
The New York City Police have deployed bombs and bombs, sand trucks to prevent explosions, drones and heavy armed forces like every year.
This year, however, they also did something unusual: close Times Square, preventing vehicles and pedestrians from moving into the so-called “frozen zone” of the square.
Only a small group of people can enter Times Square to welcome the new year 2021 – Photo: NYT
Traditionally each year, people gather in Times Square to witness the fireworks display and countdown to welcome in the new year.
However, with the complicated situation of the COVID-19 epidemic in the US, New York City authorities have asked residents to follow online the crystal ball launch ceremony in Times Square on New Years Eve.
Police said those who want to enjoy New Year’s Eve will not be able to cross pre-set police barriers.
“If you think you can stay there and watch the award ceremony, you are wrong,” said New York Police Department Chief Terence Monahan.
Visitors can only gather outside the police fence surrounding Times Square, New York, just before New Years Eve on December 31, 2020 – Photo: REUTERS
The AP news agency said on January 1 that there were still many tourists gathered outside the police fence. Many said they wanted to finish a challenging year on their own and complained about not being able to get close enough to follow the ritual of dropping the crystal ball.
Dermot Shea police describe the scene at Crossroads of the World, nicknamed Times Square, as “surreal” in the absence of the rowdy crowds each year.
The scene crowded (above) on December 31, 2019 and quiet on December 31, 2020 in Times Square – Photo: AP
“This makes me a little sad. This is not what we want, or what people usually think of New York,” shared New York City resident Cole Zieser.
“Goodbye 2020. Welcome to something better: 2021,” said New York Mayor Bill de Blasio.
Many people in masks still flock to Times Square to prepare for New Year’s Eve – Photo: AP
Several famous performers also appeared on the stage incorporated into the nearly empty plaza to perform before a small group of front-line personnel in masks.
In the last moments before New Year’s Eve, singer Jennifer Lopez sang the song “Dream On.”
Times Square is emptier than in previous years at the end of 2020 – Photo: AP
Fireworks lit up Times Square on New Year’s Eve and more confetti fell as the countdown began, while the center of the square was nearly empty. completely different from decades.
The New York Times reported that only dozens, rather than hundreds, of voices rang out on the New Year’s countdown.
The roadside restaurant near Times Square on December 31, 2020 is less crowded than usual – Photo: DailyMail
The AP news agency recognized the time to say goodbye to the old year 2020 and welcome into the new year 2021 something different from the years before when crowds with hugs and congratulations were missing.
The special guests of this year’s event, the anti-epidemic frontline staff, also welcomed the New Year in a separate area.
