Mayor de Blasio requested people to watch the 2020 Christmas tree-lighting ceremony live from their homes.
On average, 4.03% of people tested positive for coronavirus in the last seven days. De Blasio announced strict measurements as the positivity rate continues to increase. As part of the new Covid-19 guidelines, he encouraged people not to entertain gatherings.
He said we all love to see the tree-lighting ceremony, but things are getting worse; thus, I urge you to enjoy the day differently this year. He requested people to watch the annual lighting event from their homes live on TV screens. The event is scheduled to happen on Wednesday, December 2; it will not happen the way it happened in past years.
The mayor said it is better and so much appreciated if people decide to watch the event live but still, if some people want to go in person, they have to follow specific rules strictly. According to him, no more than four people will be allowed simultaneously to visit the tree.
People have to reserve the timings to go up and view the tree. The visitors have to wear masks and maintain social distancing during the visit. No more spectators will be entertained after 8 pm; the leftover visitors will get a chance on Thursday to watch the tree-lighting in person if they have tickets.
The timed and socially distanced approach is appointed to make the event safe and avoid coronavirus spread. The lighting ceremony will start at 6 am and will continue till midnight. Each visitor will get 5 minutes to hang around and click pictures, and a group having more than four members will be split into pods of four people.
To ensure visitors’ safety, officials have decided to block the traffic on 49th and 50th streets between fifth and sixth avenue. However, the skating rink will remain open for the public.