The governor of New York said late Monday he is “appalled” that hundreds of people risked lives to attend a performance by The Chainsmokers this past weekend.
Andrew Cuomo said on Twitter he saw “egregious social distancing violations” in video clips taken at the event in Bridgeghampton. “We have no tolerance for the illegal & reckless endangerment of public health,” he wrote.
Cuomo said the state department of health will conduct an investigation.
The Chainsmokers headlined Saturday night’s Safe & Sound fundraiser, a drive-in event at the 38-hectare venue Nova's Ark. Ticket holders – who paid between $1,250 and $25,000 U.S. – were told to remain close to their vehicles in 20’ x 20’ spaces except to use washrooms – where face masks were mandatory.
Other on-site precautions reportedly included temperature checks, hand sanitizer dispensers and the distribution of free masks.
But, in video clips circulating on social media, hundreds of revellers crowded together.
In a letter to Southampton Town Supervisor Jay Schneiderman, New York’s health commissioner Dr. Howard Zucker wrote: "I am greatly disturbed by reports concerning the 'drive-in' concert held in your town this past weekend, which apparently involved thousands of people in close proximity, out of their vehicles, a VIP area where there was no pretense of a vehicle, and generally not adhering to social distancing guidance.
“I am at a loss as to how the Town of Southampton could have issued a permit for such an event, how they believed it was legal and not an obvious public health threat.”
Schneiderman – whose band opened for The Chainsmokers – said organizers will be cited for violating conditions in the permit they were issued.
The Chainsmokers have not publicly responded to criticism of the event.
Organizers In The Know Experiences and Invisible Noise said in a statement that the event “followed the guidelines created by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.”