City of Raleigh taking precautions ahead of New Year celebrations

Baldwin believes the City of Oaks can safely celebrate on New Years Eve.

“First Night is held primarily outdoors. That is where most of the activity is. That’s where most of the people will be gathering. Outdoor events are safe. I feel the show must go on,” said Baldwin.

The indoor, ticketed portions of First Night will require either proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test within 48 hours. Indoor venues will require that visitors wear a mask, too, in accordance with city mandates.

For outdoor activities – the Ferris wheel, disco roller rink, gravitron, live music at City Plaza stage, People’s Procession, acorn drop and more – vaccination is strongly encouraged but not required.

Celebrate New Year's Eve in the Triangle

Some major New Year Eve’s celebrations have been called off in New York and in London because of the rapid spike in COVID cases, with omicron now the dominant variant in the U.S.

Many wondered if First Night, an event that pre-Covid brought more than 40,000 people to downtown, will be next.

“We have not had the same case levels as some of the large cities: New York and London. Raleigh is a small community.," said Baldwin. "Outdoor events, I think we will be good.”

But infectious disease experts did have a warning for the unvaccinated.

Dr. David Montefiori at Duke University says the fast-spreading omicron variant is something we should all take very seriously. He also has a recommendation for those who are fully vaccinated.

“If you are unvaccinated, you should stay at home and get vaccinated as soon as you can,” said Montefiori. "My recommendation if you have been vaccinated and boosted, I would wear a mask and try to avoid being in close proximity of other people.”

Baldwin is in constant contact with Wake County Health Department on latest numbers and trends with the virus.

She said in addition to people wearing masks and providing their vaccination status, she will ask the public to take precautions.

"I would ask people to show some social responsibility," said Baldwin. "If they are in a group, wear a mask.”

Baldwin said she will be there to celebrate First Night, participating in some of the events including an outdoor parade.