Times Square’s New Year’s Eve party will continue as planned despite concerns of the Omicron variant which has rapidly spread across the U.S.

The city plans to mandate masks, limit capacity and require proof of vaccination to attend the event. Capacity for the event is usually 58,000, but will be limited to 15,000 this year. No one will be allowed to enter before 3 p.m. Friday.

According to New York state figures, 39,590 people tested positive for the virus on Tuesday. About 80% of New York City residents have had at least one dose of the vaccine with 72% being fully vaccinated, according to city-data.

“We want to show that we’re moving forward, and we want to show the world that New York City is fighting our way through this,” Mayor Bill de Blasio said on NBC's "Today" show. De Blasio added that New Yorkers are leading the way in vaccinations and the precautions will keep the crowd safe as the city rings in the new year.

New York City Mayor-elect Eric Adams offered his thoughts on de Blasio’s precautionary measures.

“The mayor has made the right move to take precautionary measures as we learn to live with COVID and fight the Omicron variant — and New Yorkers and visitors alike can now enjoy Times Square and the rest of our city as we ring in 2022,” said Adams.

Performers in Times Square will include KT Tunstall, Journey and Karol G after LL Cool J backed out of the event due to a positive COVID test. The event can be viewed on ABC, CNN and streaming services for the countdown to the ball drop at midnight.

Other cities have canceled their planned New Year’s Eve events such as Atlanta and San Francisco, while Chicago plans to have a fireworks show.

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