NEWARK, Del. (AP) - Police in the city that is host to Delaware’s largest university have raided several parties and charged more than 60 people with violating a coronavirus ordinance on unlawful gatherings.
The charges were filed after Newark police responded to loud music complaints at three separate residences late Thursday night and early Friday morning.
Authorities said officers found between 30 and 40 people at the first location shortly before midnight. Some fled after seeing police but 18 were cited for violating the ordinance. Police responding to a second location five minutes later found more than 12 people inside an apartment. Some climbed out windows after seeing police, but a dozen were cited.
A police visit to a third location about an hour later resulted in 33 people being cited.
University of Delaware police assisted Newark Police at all three locations and referred any students for possible sanctions by the school. The punishment could include suspension or expulsion.
The ordinance prohibits more than 12 people from gathering inside a private residence without a permit from city officials unless they live there. No more than 20 people can attend an outside gathering at a private residence.
City penalties for violation of the ordinance range from fines to community service and apply to attendees as well as hosts of any illegal gathering.
Meanwhile, state officials reported about 24,750confirmed or probable cases of COVID-19 in Delaware and 617 confirmed or probable deaths as of Thursday. People age 50 and above accounted for 672, or 96%, of the deaths. Residents of long-term care facilities accounted for 409 of the deaths.
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