PARTY’S OVER
New Jersey homeowners busted over lockdown wedding as Chicago police break up parties
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TWO New Jersey residents have been arrested after hosting large gatherings in their homes, ignoring enforced social distancing orders.
It comes as Chicago police were forced to break up at least two house parties on Saturday evening, as dozens of people defied advice to stay at home during the coronavirus pandemic.
New Jersey man Eliyohu Zaks, 49, was taken into custody on Friday after authorities said he hosted a pop-up wedding in his Lakewood home.
The wedding was attended by more than 50 people, a violation of the newly enacted ban issued by the governor to stem the spread of COVID-19.
Zaks was arrested by police in Ocean County and charged with “maintaining a nuisance for hosting the wedding”.
Another local resident, 43-year-old Shaul Kuperwasser, was arrested after a large crowd was seen gathering at his home on Thursday.
Two more weddings at the Lake Terrace and Fountain Ballroom with more than 50 guests at each were reportedly broken up this week as well, though no known arrests were made.
Authorities have said they are acting with a sense of urgency after Lakewood had become the “epicenter” of COVID-19 in Ocean County, with 26 of the county’s 53 known coronavirus cases.
Lakewood Police Captain Gregory Staffordsmith said his officers have continued to break up large gatherings this week despite the stay-at-home order.
He added: “We want the public to know that we have heard and share their concerns regarding gatherings of more than 50 people and have taken action against those who have failed to comply.”
All New Jersey schools have been ordered closed earlier, along with all non-essential businesses.
New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy issued a ban on gatherings of 50 or more people in the efforts against the global pandemic.
Across New Jersey, at least 11 people have died of coronavirus infection. Statewide, there have been a confirmed 890 cases.
New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy this week angrily vowed to crack down more harshly on residents who held gatherings as state authorities struggle to prevent the fast-spreading disease.
‘It’s time to cut the crap,’ Murphy told reporters in Trenton on Thursday.
When asked about the continued violations in Lakewood, Murphy said: ‘We simply cannot have this.
‘We have got to ensure compliance, no matter what the circumstances are.’
It comes as authorities in Anne Arundel County warn residents could face up to a year in jail and a $5,000 fine if found in gathering in groups later than 10 people.
The Anne Arundel County Police Department claim they are prepared to enforce the amendment to the Executive Order issued by Governor Larry Hogan prohibiting any events involving more than 10 people.
Officers will seek voluntary compliance before taking any enforcement action. Individuals found to be in violation face jail time up to one year or a fine of up to $5,000 or both.
In New Orleans, the NOPD has put together a special team of officers to investigate illegal gatherings reported to 3-1-1 to help slow the spread of COVID-19.
Announcing the coronavirus team on social media, the police department revealed: “The team is working with the city’s Safety and Permits Department.”
“Businesses found in violation risk losing their license to operate in the city of New Orleans.”
The drastic action comes as for coronavirus after travelling for spring break.
Officials from the University of Tampa confirmed the news, as cases in the state soared to 830 with 13 COVID-19 related deaths.
The US has become a coronavirus hotspot, with recent figures showing the country has the third highest number of confirmed cases in the world.
As of today, only coronavirus epicenter China (81,397 cases) and hard-hit Italy (59,138) surpass the US in terms of infection rates.
There are currently 32,717 confirmed cases of coronavirus in the United States, and a recorded 281 deaths.
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