Cops in the Big Apple can no longer expect any time off over New Year’s Eve and Day due to Covid-related staff absences
All “scheduled time off”New York City Police has been cancelled and the officers are now required to resume work. This was apparently due to a rise in Covid-19 cases.
An NYPD spokesperson confirmed the leave cancellations on Wednesday, saying New Year’s Eve celebrations in Times Square and precincts throughout the city are in need of officers.
“Effective Friday, December 31 and Saturday, January 1, all uniformed members’ regular days off are cancelled and they are to report to their respective commands for their assigned tour,”It was announced by the department.
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According to a New York Daily News report citing sources with knowledge of the department’s decision, concern about Covid-19 cases is behind the order for cops to return to the job. Around 16% (or roughly 6,000) of the uniformed police force called for sick service in the final week of this year. According to sources, around 1300 officers are positive for Covid, with more than 3000 experiencing flu-like symptoms.
According to recent data, more than 80% are currently vaccinated against Covid according to NYPD.
It is important that more officers are available to help bring in the new Year on duty. However, the massive ball-drop celebration has been rescheduled due to the increase in Covid-19 case numbers, which was driven by Omicron. Bill de Blasio (the outgoing Mayor) stated last week that safety improvements would make it safer. “keep the fully vaccinated crowd safe and healthy”And he said that the city had “reopened safely.”
This year will bring in about 15,000 revelers to designated viewing areas in Times Square for New Year’s Eve, even though the celebration typically hosts over three times that amount.
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