As of Friday, Governor Andrew Cuomo’s mandate of a limit of 10 attendees per party, in addition to other restrictions, goes into effect as part of a larger effort to curb the accelerated increase in new coronavirus infections.
But the guideline has caused consternation. Certain residents believe that the edict crosses the line between the need to take action to curb the virus and individual freedoms, especially with Thanksgiving Day just around the corner.
Reporters questioned Cuomo on Friday about whether law enforcement will have the authority to break into a home upon being notified of the breach of the attendee limit.
The president indicated that this is at the discretion of the local authorities.
Of course, as is the case with any law enforcement agency, the NYPD and the Sheriff’s Office, as well as the local departments of each town and municipality in the state, would be tasked with investigating a report as long as it is substantiated. and if they have the staff to go to the place.
Agents could certainly advise a landlord on abiding by the new protocol, but when it comes to taking enforcement action, it’s unlikely unless it’s a wild party with dozens of guests violating sanitary rules.
Furthermore, the State has so far not provided law enforcement agencies with any enforcement guidelines when it comes to gatherings in private homes. It seems unlikely that departments will instruct their agents to enter houses and count heads, and order surplus attendants to leave Thanksgiving dinner.
However, the application of the law is different in restaurants and commercial premises, such as party halls, where the forces of the law can intervene as has happened in recent months.
Cuomo was very emphatic in pointing out that the new attendance limit applies to both indoor and outdoor parties, but excludes families of 10 or more who reside in the same home.
New York City sheriffs focus efforts on dismantling religious parties and gatherings that violate the health code of just 10 attendees. Each violation carries a fine of up to $ 15,000.
By mandate of the governor, the operations of the forces of law are concentrated more in the critical zones, where the spikes are high.
In critical areas, fines for violating capacity standards can carry a fine of up to $ 1,000 per day, in addition to other penalties for violating physical distancing and mask use rules.
In addition, social media posts can end up giving away the organizers of mass parties. Last month, the Sheriff’s Office reported that officers dismantled a party of at least 100 people in Cunningham Park thanks to social media posts, as reported by our sister network NBC 4.
Cuomo’s warning coincides with guidance released this week by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), which lists several updated recommendations for celebrating Thanksgiving, as many Americans weigh how they will celebrate the holiday. focused on the family amid the coronavirus pandemic.
The CDC indicates that virtual gatherings or enjoying parties with members of your own household are the safest options this year. Meetings with people from other households, including college students returning home from campus, are higher risk options.
The agency highlighted several factors that households should consider before hosting a Thanksgiving gathering in person. Health officials recommended watching the rate of coronavirus cases in the area, limiting the number of guests and limiting physical contact.
For in-person meetings, the CDC encouraged wearing the outdoors “as much as possible,” as long as guests practice physical distancing and wear masks when not eating.
The new guide discouraged “potluck-style gatherings” and suggested that guests bring their own food to meetings. Shopping on or after Thanksgiving, attending large events and large gatherings with people outside the immediate home were listed as “higher risk activities.”
A key recommendation is to ensure adequate ventilation and avoid meetings in spaces with little air flow. The CDC says that opening windows and keeping central air conditioning on continuously are two ways to ensure good ventilation.
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