Gloucester Twp. Police Warn Against Big Gatherings Amid Pandemic

GLOUCESTER TOWNSHIP, NJ — Gloucester Township police continue to remind residents not to participate in large gatherings, even after breaking up a part in which 250 people were in attendance.

“Over the past few weeks, the Gloucester Township Police Department and other surrounding agencies have received reports of large residential backyard pool parties, which are promoted and advertised on social media platforms,” police said in a statement issued to the public on Tuesday. “These parties are being held by a promoter and resident is charging for admission to the party. Since social distancing and COVID-19 safety practices are NOT being observed, these parties are contributing to the health emergency of the COVID-19 pandemic. These events are also disruptive to residential neighborhoods which are not designed to handle the large volume of parking and loud music. We will strictly enforce all applicable laws for public safety. Do your part to end this COVID-19 pandemic by avoiding these for-profit, promoted party events which helps spread the virus.”

One of these parties took place at 12 Prospect Court. It took place after police warned the homeowner not to throw the party, and there were 250 people in attendance not wearing masks and not following social distancing guidelines as set forth by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to stop the spread of the coronavirus. Read more here: Police Break Up House Party Attended By 250 In Gloucester Twp.

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As of Wednesday, there were 934 coronavirus cases in Gloucester Township with 57 confirmed deaths. Five new cases were reported in Gloucester Township on Wednesday, including those involving two 60-year-old men, two 50-year-old women and a juvenile older than 10.

In Camden County, 31 new cases were reported, bringing the total to 9,488. One new death was reported, bringing the total number of confirmed deaths to 552. The new death involved a Camden woman in her 70s.

“We are deeply saddened to learn of another death caused by COVID-19 in Camden County. As we mourn another member of our community, we are keeping their friends and family in our thoughts and prayers,” Camden County Freeholder Director Louis Cappelli Jr. said. “As this pandemic stretches into yet another month, we want to remind our residents that no one is in this fight alone. If you are struggling to cope with this incredibly difficult period, please seek emotional support or a mental health professional for help. Even as we closely monitor the physical health of our friends, family, and loved ones, we have to remember to take care of our mental health as well.”

According to the New Jersey Coronavirus Information Hub:

• Outdoor gatherings must be limited to 500 people and social distancing must be practiced. There are no limits for First Amendment-protected outdoor activities, such as political protests of any persuasion or outdoor religious services;
• To save lives and stop the spread of COVID-19, wear a mask, wash your hands, practice social distancing, and stay home if you are sick; and
• Face coverings are required in indoor public spaces and in outdoor public spaces when social distancing is difficult to maintain.

Additional requirements for outdoor gatherings include the following:

• Require attendees to be six feet apart at all times, excluding immediate family members, caretakers, household members, or romantic partners;
• Prohibit contact between attendees;
• If the event is an organized gathering, the organizer should demarcate six feet of spacing in the area of the gathering to demonstrate appropriate spacing for social distancing;
• Prohibit sharing of any physical items provided and require sanitization before and after each use; and
• Require contactless pay options wherever feasible.

See related: NJ Coronavirus, Reopen Updates: Here's What You Need To Know