Massachusetts man cited for hosting party that did not observe state COVID-19 protocols

WINTHROP — Chief Terence Delehanty reports that a resident was cited last weekend after hosting a party in violation of state gathering restrictions in place due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

On Saturday, Sept. 12, at approximately 10 p.m., Winthrop Police responded to Bellevue Avenue after receiving multiple reports about a loud party. Upon arrival, officers observed a gathering of approximately 30 people who were allegedly disregarding state mandated social distancing and face covering protocols.

A 51-year-old Winthrop man was issued a $300 fine for Failure to Comply With Mandatory Face Coverings under Gov. Charlie Baker’s standing order.

“Our community has been hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic, and willful disregard of the precautions we’re all responsible for maintaining has consequences,” Chief Delehanty said. “Winthrop residents have been doing their part to curb the spread in of the virus in town, and everyone has to remain committed to making these shared sacrifices for the greater good.”

Under state guidelines, indoor gatherings are limited to eight people per 1,000 square feet of indoor floor space and should never exceed more than 25 people in a single enclosed, indoor space.

Additionally, outdoor gatherings are limited to 25 percent of the maximum permitted occupancy of the space, and all gatherings — indoor and outdoor — must be conducted in a way that allows each participant to maintain at least six feet of physical distance from all other attendees who live outside their household.

Everyone attending a gathering with more than 10 people is required to wear a mask or face covering.