An investigation by the health department is ongoing.
The video posted on social media shows large crowds gathered in front of the stage with little space between them.
The charity concert in Southampton over the weekend had been planned as a drive-in theater with 500 cars and approximately 2,000 people.
“We take it very seriously,” said Cuomo. He added that both the city and town of Southampton are now open to facing criminal violations.
The state health commissioner has required the people to report what exactly happened and why a permit was issued as part of the investigation.
Below is the letter from New York State Health Commissioner Dr. Howard Zucker:
Dear supervisor
I’m sure you know that New York State has been in a declared state of emergency since March 7, 2020 due to the prevalence of COVID-19. I know that you are aware of the many efforts that this state has made in conjunction with many local governments to combat it. The executive orders of the governor require social distancing, as well as limitations in companies and other activities, for example, the non-essential meeting in excess of fifty people is not allowed, according to executive order 202.53 until August 20, 2020.
As Commissioner of Health, I have also issued a series of health regulations and emergency orders to safeguard public health and reduce the spread of COVID-19.
In that regard, I am very concerned about reports of the drive-in concert held in your city last weekend, which apparently involved thousands of people nearby, outside their vehicles, a VIP area where there were no claims of a vehicle, and generally does not adhere to the social distancing orientation. I don’t know how the city of Southampton could have issued a permit for such an event, how they believed it was legal and not an obvious threat to public health.
Inform me within 24 hours about the following:
– Did the city issue a permit for the concert?
– If the permit was issued, how was it consistent with applicable state laws and regulations regarding COVID-19?
– If a permit was issued, what security presence had you planned for the concert?
– Which city officials were at the concert and why was it allowed to continue when it became clear that the rapes were rampant?
Please note that all responses to these questions are a submission to a state department conducting an investigation, and any submission will be considered an affidavit.
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