Times Square's famous new year countdown goes socially distanced with a touch of glamour

New York's Times Square is famous for its midnight countdown to a new year, and even the pandemic could not stop locals from experiencing the once in a year event

Local police condoned the streets with barriers before the New Year's Eve celebration in Times Square, New York on December 31, 2020. 

Usually the Times Square is packed with locals and tourists who flock to the famous landmark to participate in the countdown for welcoming of the new year. However, this time, the crowd grew thinner and people were placed far away from each other.

Owing to COVID-19, the plans this year have changed. People were assigned different pods with a set maximum limit. These pods were placed at a distance and in a zig-zag manner to avoid any possible spread of infection.

The onlookers who could not get into assigned pods were seen standing at a distance behind set barriers. These barriers were placed at a far away distance from the set stage for performers and the pods, to make sure people do not crowd the area.

Mayor Bill De Blasio hugs his wife Chirlane McCray after dropping the ball in Times Square.

While the people were distanced and masked, several star singers and performers showed up at Times Square to add colour to the otherwise-grim year. Several star singers and rappers such as Jennifer Lopez, Machine Gun Kelly, Pitbull, Cyndi Lauper, and many more performed before the famous countdown.

The ball drops to ring in the new year in a mostly empty Times Square in New York City on January 1, 2021.