Last Saturday (July 25), The Chainsmokers played a ‘drive-in’ charity concert in Southampton, New York called Safe and Sound, with ticket packages ranging from $1,250 to $25,000. Though the event was supposed to abide by the necessary safety precautions, footage soon surfaced showing attendees disregarding social distancing measures, TMZ reports.
As a result, gov. Andrew Cuomo has now announced a New York Department of Health investigation of the concert. “Videos from a concert held in Southampton on Saturday show egregious social distancing violations,” he wrote. “I am appalled. The Department of Health will conduct an investigation. We have no tolerance for the illegal & reckless endangerment of public health.”
Dr. Howard Zucker, New York’s health commissioner, added: “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.”
In a statement to the New York Times, event organizers In The Know Experiences and Invisible Noise said that temperatures were taken, parking spots were limited to 20 feet by 20, bathrooms were positioned six feet apart, hand sanitisers were widely available, and masks were handed to anyone who came without one.
Proceeds from the concerts were donated to the charities No Kid Hungry, Southampton Fresh Air Home, and the Children’s Medical Fund of New York.
Videos from a concert held in Southampton on Saturday show egregious social distancing violations. I am appalled.
The Department of Health will conduct an investigation.
We have no tolerance for the illegal & reckless endangerment of public health.pic.twitter.com/gf9kggdo8w
— Andrew Cuomo (@NYGovCuomo) July 28, 2020
