New Year's events planned with COVID protocols in mind

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Several establishments planned on opening their doors on Friday for customers to ring in the New Year.

But they did this mindful of the current COVID-19 situation.

Friday there were 15,797 active COVID-19 cases, 19 deaths were recorded and there were 579 new cases.

“We’re going to be bringing in the New Year here whilst being safe,” General Manager of Island Beer Chill & Grill Duane Govia said.

His establishment was not the only one hosting New Year’s Eve events – Hilton, The Residence Restaurant & Bar, Buzz Bar, Rizzonis and The Rig ‘Restaurant and Lounge’ also opened their doors.

Some of these Safe Zones required people to RSVP beforehand and others will cap the festivities one hour into the New Year at 1 am.

“To gain entrance you need to present your ID and vaccination card,” Govia said.

He told Guardian Media no reservation was needed for people to attend on Friday night but 50 per cent capacity, which is in accordance with the Public Health Regulations are 130 people.

“Once they leave their table or moving around the location they need to keep their mask on,” he said.

After a year of restrictions, some people may want to go out to one of these venues to celebrate.

“It’s tradition,” one person said.

“It’s been so stressful that people want to celebrate their 2022, hoping it won’t be as bad as 2021,” another person told Guardian Media.

Govia said live entertainment and a special surprise to ring in 2022 were planned and his staff was well trained and prepared.

Under some posts on social media for these events, people asked about COVID-19 protocols.

“We just try to keep guests in line while allowing them to still have fun,” he said.

On Friday when our team visited preparations for the events were underway at some venues, others were still closed.