Businesses and villages across Long Island are canceling their New Year's Eve festivities just a few days before 2022.

The rise in COVID-19 cases have forced the normal ball drops in Patchogue and Farmingdale to be canceled for another year.

"It would be irresponsible for us to have a ball drop with 1,000 to 1,500 people, children of all ages to come and have such a close area," says Farmingdale Mayor Ralph Ekstrand.

David Kennedy, with Patchogue's Chamber of Commerce, says another challenge is that county and village agencies are short staffed due to the coronavirus.

Some private venues like the Paramount Theater and businesses like 317 Main Street are also changing their plans.

"We just canceled our New Year's Eve reservation," says Perry Fortuna, of 317 Main Street. "We had a party too going on so we're only taking reservations until 10 p.m. so it's a big disappointment."

Some residents are also canceling their plans and staying home for the usual festive evening.

"The thought process is that there will be another Christmas, there will be another New Years," says Farmingdale resident Brian Schwartz.

Some officials are worried that people will head to bars or restaurants that are open, but those businesses tell News 12 they are taking additional steps to keep people safe