Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree turns on, with virus rules

Rockin' around Christmas tree is going to look different for visitors at Rockefeller Center this year, starting with Wednesday's tree lighting ceremony. What's rmally a chaotic, crowded tourist hotspot during holiday season will inste be a mask-mandated, time-limited, socially distanced locale due to coronavirus pandemic.

tree, a 75-foot (23-meter) rway spruce, is getting its holiday lights turned on in an event that will be brocast on television but closed to public. Among those scheduled for performances are Kelly Clarkson, Dolly Parton, and Earth, Wind & Fire. In days following lighting until early part of January, those wishing to take a look at tree will have to follow a host of rules.

plaza where tree is physically located will be closed to public; inste, re will be specific tree-viewing zones on midtown Manhattan blocks on eir side. Visitors will join a virtual line, and can get text messs to let m kw when it's ir turn. At that point, y will be directed to specific pods, each of which can hold four people, to look at tree. re will be a five-minute limit to tree-viewing.

Of course, everyone will have to be wearing masks and maintain social distance. Entrance to skating rink and retail will be separate. restricted approach is a necessary one, New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio said earlier this week. “It will be limited, number of people that can get close. This is what we got to do to protect everyone." Workers at Rockefeller Center first put up a tree in 1931. It became an annual trition starting in 1933. This year's tree came from Oneonta, in central New York.

(Im Credits: AP)