COVID Trouble: 3 NJ Gatherings, Dozens Of New Cases

NEW JERSEY – Three different gatherings across the state caused spikes in coronavirus cases and even some trouble for law enforcement over the past few weeks, state officials said.

A July 11 house party in Middletown left 65 new positive cases of coronavirus in the town last week, with 52 of them in young people under the age of 19. A party with over 700 guests in Jackson on July 26 took nearly four hours for officers to break up, and on Long Beach Island, 35 coronavirus cases were associated with an after hours social gathering of lifeguards earlier in the month (see the list below).

On Monday, state officials urged for everyone, especially young people, to take measures to combat the spread of the virus.

"We must take all precautions to limit the spread of this virus," said Department of Health Commissioner Judy Persichilli. "Although they don't experience what we would call severe illness as often, young people can still transmit COVID-19 to those that they love. We need them to take this public-health threat seriously."

On Monday, Gov. Phil Murphy called for parents and children to keep gatherings outdoors and wear face coverings.

"We don't condone underage drinking or anything illegal, but my comments right now are not related to that," Murphy said at Monday's state coronavirus briefing. "Don't congregate indoors. I know it's hot, but the good news is that it's hot. You can do this outside."

Here is what happened:

• Teens and parents are now coming forward to work with contact tracers after a July 11 house party saw scores of teens in Middletown contract the coronavirus. Read more: 65 New COVID Cases In Middletown, Nearly All In Teens 15-19
• A homeowner and two Newark residents are facing charges after a party at an Airbnb rental drew a crowd of over 700 to a Jackson home on Sunday, causing traffic congestion and road closures. Read more: 3 Charged After Party At Airbnb Rental Draws 700: Jackson Police
• Officials have identified 35 coronavirus cases associated with lifeguards around Long Beach Island gathering outside of work. Read more: LBI Lifeguard Gatherings Linked To 35 Coronavirus Cases

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