Ringing in the New Year like most celebrations in 2020 will look a lot different.
Many people are opting for New Year's Eve celebrations at home. This comes as public officials are urging people to not gather in groups for the holiday.
For some locals, celebrations will be the quietest in memory.
"This year we are going to stay home and have king crab legs," said Fred Casillas of San Luis Obispo.
"I will be zooming with some family and some friends as well," said Kara Cassetta who also lives in San Luis Obispo.
"Sit at home on FaceTime with my friends," added San Luis Obispo resident, Lindsay Smith.
The pandemic that dominated the year is looming over festivities as COVID cases surge on the Central Coast.
"Right now, people need to assume that you will be exposed if you come together across households or in large venues especially because of the number of active cases that we have," said Dr. Penny Borenstein, San Luis Obispo County Public Health Officer.
With downtown bars being closed, and Cal Poly on Winter break, the San Luis Obispo Police Department says it's anticipating more public health related calls into the New Year.
"If we see egregious public health violations, we'll address them but our focus, our primary focus is going to be on education," said Sgt. Trevor Shalhoob of the San Luis Obispo Police Department.
The city attorney determines COVID related fines, if needed.
But when it comes to party noise citations police say a fine costs anywhere between $700 to $1,000.
As midnight rolls in, and most count down at home, many people are bidding farewell to a year they'd prefer to forget.
"New year's resolution... just a better year," Cassetta said.
"I just hope it gets better than last year," Casillas added.
