New Jersey police officers broke up two weddings for violating the state’s emergency rules to slow the spread of the coronavirus.
The officers shut down the parties in Lakewood on Tuesday evening, sending attendees and staff home after reminding them that gatherings of more than 50 people are banned across the state, according to NJ.com.
“We stress that the public do their part in reducing the spread of COVID-19 by obeying the guidelines set forth by the State of New Jersey and encourage cleaning your hands often, staying home if you’re sick, covering coughs and sneezes, consider wearing a face mask if you aren’t feeling well, clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces, and practice social distancing,” Lakewood Police Capt. Gregory Staffordsmith said.
Democratic New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy signed an order a day before banning gatherings of more than 50 people. On Monday, Murphy signed an executive order directing all businesses deemed nonessential to shut down at 8 p.m. every day. The governor has also asked residents respect an 8 p.m. curfew every day, though he did not make it mandatory.
“This is not a curfew, but it is strongly recommended, and travel is strongly discouraged. If you don’t need to be on the roads, you should not be on the roads,” he said.
Murphy has also asked the National Guard to help test residents for potential coronavirus infections and deliver food across the state.
