Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade workers must be vaccinated, wear masks in New York City

After a "made for television" parade last year, the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade is returning to a semblance of normalcy – but with a vaccine and mask requirement for workers.

"For our 95th celebration, we are delighted to return this cherished holiday tradition closer to its original form as we march down the streets of New York City and into the homes of a nationwide audience," Will Coss, executive producer of Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, said in a release Wednesday.

The festivities will kick off marking the start of the holiday season at 9 a.m. on Thursday, Nov. 25, Macy's Inc. said and will be open to spectators in New York City and on national television.

To put the parade on this year, Macy's partnered with the city and New York state to determine appropriate health protocol that aligns with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, state and local guidance.

All volunteers and staff members will be vaccinated.

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Vaccines will be verified at all "back of house" entry points of the parade. And while it's a requirement, Macy's said that a few exceptions to the rule may be made at the company's discretion for extenuating circumstances. "For those rare instances, Macy’s medical consultant will administer COVID-19 testing and clear the individual for Parade participation," Macy's said.

Regardless of vaccination status, all volunteers and employees will be required to wear face coverings during the parade. Singers and performers may be exempt as deemed appropriate by Macy's.

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Participant capacity will also be reduced to around 800 to 1,600 participants or 10% to 20% and social distancing will be enforced.

While the parade is on track to have spectators this year, that may be subject to change.

"Following the successful live audience production of this year’s Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks and the safe production of last year’s Parade celebration, Macy’s along with its government agency and health partners will continue to monitor evolving health trends and will be ready to implement contingency plans should conditions warrant," Macy's said.

The parade will be broadcast on NBC-TV nationwide. Details on viewing locations and guidance for entry along with restrictions will be released in November.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade: Masks, vaccines required for workers