An illegal 16th birthday party near New York City has become a hotbed of the spread of the coronavirus — triggering more than 30 new cases.
The party (called Sweet 16) took place on September 25 at the Miller Place Inn on Long Island — about 65 miles east of Manhattan. According to Suffolk County authorities, about 81 people attended.
The party violated state health regulations that prohibit any mass gathering with more than 50 people or more than 50% of the territory. In addition, visitors did not observe social distance and did not wear masks.
As a result, at least 37 people involved in the birthday celebration were diagnosed with COVID-19. 28 of them were schoolchildren, 9 were adults.
The location of the party, in turn, was fined $ 10 thousand by the state and another $ 2 thousand by the district.
“We have never seen anything like this [in Suffolk] in the entire pandemic,” said County Governor Steve Belloni.
Governor Cuomo also commented on the incident, praising the authorities' quick response and criticizing the party organizers.
“Dozens of guests became infected. — he noted — This once again demonstrates how a single event can cause a surge in morbidity. «
