NYPD gives security update on New Year's Eve celebration in Times Square
TIMES SQUARE, Manhattan (WABC) -- Preparations are in full swing for the big New Year's Eve celebration in Times Square.
NYPD officials held a briefing on Thursday outlining the security measures they're taking for the New Year's Eve celebration.
Police Commissioner Dermot Shea said there are no independent, credible threats against the city or any of the holiday events.
NYPD Acting Chief of Department David Barrere said the department canceled days off to ensure proper staffing throughout the city.
Deputy Commissioner of Patrol Services Juanita Holmes suggested that people use public transportation.
Starting at 4 a.m. Friday, 38th Street to 59th Street and 5th Avenue to 9th Avenue will be closed to vehicles.
Also at that time, two subway entrances, one at 42nd Street and 7th Avenue and another at 47th Street and Broadway, will close.
Holmes urged attendees not to bring large items, alcohol, or lawn chairs.
Officers will be available to assist anyone who lives in or is attending other events in the area, provided that they show proper identification.
Members of the NYPD's Counterterrorism Bureau will conduct a multi-layered screening of spectators entering the "frozen zones" surrounding the event.
Additionally, many more officers and federal law enforcement, both uniformed and plain clothes, will be monitoring the event.
All attendees will be required to show proof of COVID-19 vaccination and will also be required to wear a mask.
Meantime, outgoing Mayor Bill de Blasio said there would be no more changes to the plan for the evening.
New Year's Eve in Times Square is a go with the previously announced reduced crowds, de Blasio said on Thursday.
When asked if there was a chance those plans would be further modified, Mayor de Blasio said, "No. This is the decision we have made."
Meanwhile, a test run for the ball drop was held Thursday morning. The nearly 12,000-pound ball was lighted up and sent up the 130-foot pole atop One Times Square.
Earlier this week workers installed the 192 sparkling Waterford crystal triangles to the ball.
The 2022 ball is capable of displaying a palette of more than 16 million vibrant colors and contains more than 32,000 energy-efficient LEDs.
The lineup of performers for Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve with Ryan Seacrest was also announced.
RELATED | Watch 'On The Red Carpet: Countdown to Rockin' Eve with Ryan Seacrest'
The New Year's Eve ceremony is set to begin at 6 p.m. ET on Friday with the lighting and raising of the New Year's Eve Ball atop One Times Square.
RELATED | Star-studded New Year's Eve lineup announced for Times Square celebration
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