Two Long Island ‘superspreader’ events lead to 56 coronavirus cases

Two recent “superspreader” events on Long Island — including one that violated a state coronavirus mandate — have led to 56 new COVID-19 cases, county officials announced Wednesday.

One of the gatherings, an Oct. 17 wedding at the North Fork Country Club in Cutchogue, had 91 attendees, violating the state order that limits such non-essential events to 50 people, Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone said in a press briefing.

The country club is facing $17,000 in fines, Bellone said, for hosting the large gathering that has so far resulted in 30 coronavirus infections.

Bellone said 159 other people who may have been exposed to those infected at the wedding are also under quarantine.

Another event, a birthday party at a home in Bellport, which occurred the same day as the wedding, led to 26 COVID-19 cases and the quarantine of 132 other people.

“These kind of superspreader events are a threat to our public health and to our continued economic recovery,” Bellone said at the briefing.

The county executive warned Suffolk residents to adhere to the state’s coronavirus measures, or face the consequences.

“If you violate the rules, you’ll be caught and held responsible,” he said.

“This type of blatant disregard for the well-being of others is not only extremely disappointing, it will not be tolerated.”