While mandatory vaccination for private sector workers in New York goes into effect on Monday, the US metropolis on Sunday reported 49,708 new cases of Covid-19 contamination, a record for a single day.

These new figures were disclosed by the office of state governor Cathy Hochul.

“As we return from holiday meetings, it is more important than ever to take precautions to limit the spread of Covid-19 this season,” the governor said in a statement. As the New Year approaches, ensure your safety and that of your loved ones.”

Outgoing New York Mayor Bill de Blasio announced in early December that private sector workers in New York would be required to be vaccinated against the coronavirus starting December 27.

“We have to take very bold action. We are seeing the restrictions start to come back. We are seeing a shutdown,” de Blasio said. “We can’t let these restrictions come back. We can’t close in New York,” he said.

The new changes come as the Big Apple plans to tighten restrictions on the traditional New Year’s Eve celebrations in Times Square.

According to the town hall that Omicron obliges, participation in these festivities this year will be limited to 15,000 people against 58,000, which requires participants to provide proof of vaccination.

Last year, this traditional New York event took place virtually because of restrictions imposed by authorities to combat the spread of the coronavirus.