Instead of partying like it's 2019, officials are asking people to reconsider gatherings and other revelry to fight rising case counts, which on Tuesday hit an all-time high when the seven-day average of new infections topped 266,000
December 29, 2021, 4:16 AMLeaders and public health experts across the country are urging Americans to scrap their New Year's Eve plans and stay home for the second year in a row as new cases of the coronavirus spread at a record-setting pace.
But instead of partying like it's 2019, officials are asking people to reconsider gatherings and other revelry to fight rising case counts, which on Tuesday hit an all-time high when the seven-day average of new infections topped 266,000. Anthony Fauci, the nation's top infectious-disease expert, said Monday that a small gathering with vaccinated family members would be the safest way to celebrate. And be wary of larger events, he advised.
But last week - on the same day New York reported its highest number of new virus cases ever - de Blasio said the city would scale back its New Year's event. Attendees must be fully vaccinated and wear masks. A total of 15,000 people will be permitted in designated viewing areas, about a quarter of the usual capacity, to allow for more social distancing.
Seattle will still launch fireworks from the Space Needle, but the display will include special effects that can only be seen online or on television, a twist meant to promote "streaming in the New Year," organizers said.
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