A New Jersey man was arrested for hosting a wedding at his home in defiance of the governor’s ban on gatherings of more than 50 people.
Police in Lakewood charged Eliyohu Zaks with maintaining a nuisance for hosting the wedding at his resident.
“The Lakewood Police is asking that its citizens be responsible and obey the directives set forth by the State of New Jersey for the safety and health of all. Those that choose not to will be subject to criminal prosecution,” police said in a statement to CBS News in Philadelphia.
To slow the spread of #COVID19, I’m ordering:
•Closure of ALL pre-K, K-12 schools, higher ed insts. beginning 3/18
•Closure of ALL casinos, racetracks, theaters, gyms
•Closure of ALL non-essential retail, recreational, & entertainment bizs after 8pm
•Banning gatherings of 50+ pic.twitter.com/mmZe0bZWgb— Governor Phil Murphy (@GovMurphy) March 16, 2020
The governor’s ban includes shopping centers, casinos, racetracks, gyms, theaters and entertainment centers. Bars and restaurants are also banned from serving dine-in customers.
New Jersey 101.5 reports that police in Lakewood broke up at least 17 gatherings of more than 50 people including at least one other wedding party.
The governor and the wedding host need to understand that just because you may have the right to do something, doesn’t mean you should.