Long Island - COVID-19 outbreak after birthday and wedding celebrations

Coronavirus disease was confirmed in 56 wedding and birthday guests. About 300 wedding invitees and more than a hundred birthday parties were quarantined. The details are shared The Washington Post.

A new outbreak of coronavirus infection has occurred on Long Island. COVID-19 was confirmed in 56 people, and about 400 more were quarantined. This happened after celebrating a wedding at the country club, as well as a birthday.

The wedding was celebrated on October 17 at the North Fork Country Club. Almost a hundred people gathered there. After celebrating for two weeks, 30 guests have confirmed the coronavirus. Suffolk County health officials said another 159 people who came into contact with carriers of the virus went on self-quarantine to prevent further spread of COVID-19. “A third of all those present (contracted COVID-19. - Ed.), Said Suffolk County Executive Director Steve Bellone at a press conference on October 28. "Just think about it!"

The county authorities proposed to fine the club $ 17 for violating the sanitary code, as well as the state mandate, according to which no more than 50 people can gather in one place at a time. This was reported by the State Liquor Authority.

The country club did not comment on the situation.

On the same day, October 17, a company of 50 people gathered on Long Island to celebrate the birthday. Two weeks after that, 26 people were confirmed to have coronavirus. 132 people were quarantined after a possible infection.

These were not the only large-scale celebrations in recent weeks that led to the spread of the virus across Long Island. Dozens of new cases have been linked to many parties in Suffolk County, causing hundreds of people to go into quarantine. “This blatant disregard for the welfare of others is extremely disappointing,” Bellone said. "If you break the rules, you will be caught and held accountable."

The spread of the virus along Long Island is of particular concern in the state and county that were once the epicenters of the pandemic. More than 500 people in New York City have tested positive for the virus and 000 people have died since the pandemic began. Despite the fact that the rate of spread of the coronavirus in New York has remained low in recent weeks, some public gatherings have led to the emergence of "hot spots".

On the subject: New Yorkers urged not to travel out of state for the holidays

New York Governor Andrew Cuomo on Wednesday, October 28, urged residents to avoid even family gatherings as the holidays approach. “This is the best way to say 'I love you' this Thanksgiving. The best way to express your gratitude to a loved one is to say “I love you so much that I don’t want to endanger you, and I don’t want to endanger our family and our friends.” So we'll be celebrating virtually, ”Cuomo said. - But that's my personal opinion".

Despite warnings that community gatherings should be small and socially dispersed or canceled altogether, many people continue to gather in large groups, especially on Long Island.

The Sweet 16 party, hosted at the banquet hall on September 25, was the first to lead to massive contamination of visitors. Of the 81 guests, 37 then confirmed the coronavirus.

At least 270 people were forced to quarantine after a possible infection. The management of the institution was fined 12 thousand dollars.

Another Long Island party resulted in numerous 911 calls on Saturday, October 24th. From 200 to 300 people were then quarantined. The owner of the house in Farmingville where the party was taking place was fined $ 2500.

In the nearby town of Riverhead, 23 people also gathered for a party last Friday, October 300rd. It is not yet known whether this led to any consequences, since there is no data on the cases at the moment.

The Suffolk County Department of Health is tracking potential cases associated with an event.

Bellone on Wednesday 28 October also provided more details on the 17 October birthday celebration. He said that the event was held in Bellport, the attendees at the party did not observe social distance - this led to the spread of the virus. “Super-events like these pose a threat to our health and economic recovery,” said the Suffolk County Executive Director.