During a Thursday press conference, Dermot Shea, Police Commissioner, and NYPD members discussed security plans.
Officials from the police said that there are no threats to New York City at this time, but that terrorist groups could still target the city.
Juanita Holmes, Chief of Patrol NYPD, advised everyone to use public transportation starting at 4 a.m. Thursday.
Holmes reports that traffic will be restricted to Manhattan’s 38th through 59th streets, between Fifth Avenue and Ninth avenues.
She added that large bags, lawn chairs, and alcohol would be strictly prohibited from the viewing areas.
Ambassadors and officers will also be present to assist anyone who lives or works in the area. They will need to show proof of a reservation, or proof that they live or work in closed-off sections.
Thomas Galati, Chief of Intelligence at the NYPD, said that officers will be stationed throughout the event area as well as in hotels and venues around Times Square.
Last week, Mayor Bill de Blasio announced additional safeguards to ensure the event was safe amid an increase in COVID cases.
The viewing areas usually hold approximately 58,000 people. However, this year, only 15,000 people will have the right to attend in order to allow social distancing.
Also, guests will not be permitted to enter the building until 3:00 p.m. This is earlier than in previous years.
You will need to show proof of vaccination and a valid photo ID. Participants will also need to wear masks.
The COVID spike has affected the NYPD, as well as many New Yorkers.
Due to COVID, thousands of NYPD officers were sick. David Barrere, Acting Chief of the Department, told PIX11 News Wednesday that the NYPD was making adjustments to accommodate sick calls.
On Tuesday, approximately 6,600 NYPD employees were called out sick — 20% of the department’s workforce. About 3,000 of those were officers who had flu-like symptoms, while 1,500 were positive for COVID.
The NYPD issued a memo to all uniformed officers regularly absent on Friday and Saturday, telling them that they must report at their respective commands for assignment.
According to the NYPD memo, the decision was taken to ensure adequate coverage of the New Year’s Eve celebrations in Times Square and to provide coverage in precincts around the city.
