Businesses are boosting their COVID-19 precautions ahead of the New Year

Rochester, New York – According to the owner of Lux Lounge, she’s stuck between a rock and a hard place as Omicron surges.

“Besides shutting our doors, I’m not sure what else we can really do,” said Karrie Laughton, owner of Lux Lounge in Downtown Rochester.

In order to attend their champagne toast and countdown you’ll need to show proof of vaccine, Laughton said.

New Year’s Eve at the Sawmill will also require proof and will also encourage masks.

Laughton also adding people need to be self-aware.

“I think everyone has to take some responsibility for themselves. We can only monitor so much,” said Laughton.

According to Noelani Joiner, she is heading to New York City to ring in the new year, but she plans to double up on her protection.

“We’re just making sure we KN95 up with our masks and hand sanitize and do the best we can,” said Joiner.

The owner of Time for Wine and Spirits liquor store said he’s hearing a lot of customers plan to keep it low-key this New Year’s Eve.

“People are panicking again. It’s just like last year, a repeat of last year. Nobody wants to go out, nobody wants to get infected,” said Thomas Williams, the owner of Time for Wine and Spirits.

One woman saying, she’s happy to sit this year out.

“I think we’re just glad not to be going out in public and keeping it with a small group of family at home,” said a woman on Park Ave.