FLASHBACK: Bill de Blasio tells New Yorkers NOT to go to Times Square for New Year’s Eve

De Blasio told everyone that the party would be that much more special for their not being in attendance, and that everyone should tune in and watch it on tv from the safety of their homes. De Blasio then rang in the New Year live from Times Square, where all New Yorkers could watch him.

Prior to cutting the rug with New York's First Lady Chirlane McCray, de Blasio said in a press conference that "Don't believe any doubting Thomases that say because there's not going to be a million people or more in Times Square that it's not going to special. It's going to be actually arguably the most special, the most poignant, the most moving New Year's Eve. Everyone watch on television, don't go down there, watch from home."

When New Yorker's tuned in to watch the gala festivities from which they had been disinvited, they were treated to de Blasio and McCray engaged in an intimate close dance. It was, according to Andy Cohen's comments on CNN, a bit nauseating.

On CNN's coverage of the limited Times Square celebration, a very drunk Andy Cohen blasted de Blasio. Taking a drink and passing it to Anderson Cooper, he said "I'm glad I brought two bottles of this," as Cooper wretched due, presumably, to the strength of the liquor.

"That's how I felt when I saw Mayor de Blasio dancing just now," Cohen said. "I just don't need to see that at the beginning of 2021! Do something with this city! Honestly, get it together!"

New York City has been essentially locked down, with social events and gatherings disallowed. People are not allowed to eat inside restaurants, there is a curfew of 10 pm, and people are encouraged to stay isolated and conduct both social and work life online.