Ball Drop on New Year’s Eve at Times Square.

Despite the increase of COVID-19 cases in New York, especially with the new Omicron variant, the Ball Drop to welcome Year 2022 at Times Square was still maintained.

However, only 15,000 people with proof of vaccination and use of face masks were allowed to gather during the Ball Drop and all in an effort to contain the spread of Omicron, the new COVID-19 variant. The allowed people had to come as early as from 3pm to guarantee their spots.

The Ball Drop which was hosted by Ryan John Seacrest and Liza Koshy was really exciting and joyful with presentations of some dance groups, singers and performers like Ja Rule, Ashanti, Uso Show Troupe that sang “New York” of Jay Z & Alicia keys , KT Tunstall singing “Imagine” of John Lennon and others performed live. Mariah Carey and BTS also performed pre-recorded songs during the celebration.

It was a great time for the people to dressed up in their costumes and outfits reflecting new year 2022 and celebrate the beginning of the New Year together; hugging, kissing and screaming “Happy New Year.”

After the Ball Drop, the newly elected Mayor of New York City, Eric Adams was officially sworn in, with the presence of the outgoing Mayor, Bill de Blasio and his wife and other dignitaries.

And there was a very tight security all around Times Square provided by NYPD.

By Niyi Fote/Thenews2