NEW YORK - The city’s Christmas tree is standing tall at Rockefeller Center, but this year the mayor is urging New Yorkers to enjoy it in a different way.
"Please, if you can make the decision to watch it on TV that's so much better, but if you choose to go in person there's going to be a lot of specific rules in place,” Mayor Bill de Blasio said during a briefing Monday.
Starting on December 3, those who choose to view it in person will have to scan a QR code in various locations near the tree to receive an available time slot. Each group is limited to five minutes.
Social distancing will be enforced with pods spread six feet apart, with no more than four people from a group in one pod. Groups of more than four people will be separated.
This approach was the result of an agreement with the state to limit crowds as coronavirus cases continue to increase throughout the holiday season.
"This is what we gotta do to protect everyone,” said de Blasio.
The mayor on Sunday said the NYPD will be there to patrol and that traffic lanes would be closed off. He compared the Christmas festivities at Rockefeller Center to the Macy’s Thanksgiving day Parade, which also operated much differently this year because of the pandemic.
"Next year I look forward to so many of our traditions coming back so we can be there in person and enjoy them in the way we always have and cherish, but let’s stay safe this year so everyone can get through to next year and enjoy those traditions together," he said.
The 75-foot Norway spruce arrived at Rockefeller Center on November 14. Since then, it’s received backlash on social media for its appearance. It once again made headlines when an owl was discovered in the tree and later rescued.
Tree viewing zones are located on 49th and 50th Streets between 5th and 6th Avenues only. Time slots will be available between 6 a.m. and midnight every day.
There will be no public access to this year’s tree lighting ceremony on December 2. For more information on how to watch visit rockefellercenter.com