Though Manhattan's usually massive party was muted Thursday night, there were still some people who will need to be protected within Times Square.

Police blocked off access to the area around Times Square, but there were shows going live on many networks. That's where Westchester's own Joe Russo comes in.

Since 2008, Russo and his team at T&M Protection have guarded the co-hosts and stars on Dick Clark's Rockin' Eve on ABC. He says it takes several weeks to get ready and coordinate with the NYPD.

"We have to look at the choreography of the event itself to make sure we're going to be in the right position to escort the talent,” says Joe Russo.

Russo says that everyone who was part of the New Year's Eve production, from the stars, to the production team, to the security detail had been tested multiple times for the coronavirus. 

Although Times Square won't be crowded this year, people planned to celebrate – just social distantly.

"I'm distancing from friends. I work in healthcare, I know how important it is,” says Jenna Snyder. “So I'm just having it with my family.”

And while attendees can't see the ball drop in person, there's an app to help you feel like you're there - VNYE will give you nine views of the ball drop.