Crowded gatherings of young people are increasingly a concern statewide, especially after 107 cases of COVID-19 in the Lansing area were traced to a single bar. Similar super-spread events have occurred in Florida, Texas and Louisiana.
Mayor Sheldon Neeley reminds all residents that gatherings of more than 100 people are not allowed per Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s executive order.
There have been a series of pop-up parties in the city in recent weeks, sometimes drawing hundreds of young people who crowd into parking lots, parks and streets. While outdoor events are certainly safer than crowds indoors, the gatherings exceed the allowed number of people in attendance and do not follow required social distancing regulations.
Enforcement will be targeted toward parties with a focus on open intoxicants in public spaces and gatherings of more than 100 people, especially late at night and early in the morning.
“We remain in a pandemic,” Neeley said. “We want everyone to enjoy the summer safely, and we need everyone’s help and cooperation to limit the spread of COVID-19.”
Gov. Whitmer’s Executive Order 2020-110 states, “Outdoor social gatherings and events are permitted so long as people maintain six feet of distance from one another and the assemblage consists of no more than 100 people.”
“Flint is a welcoming community and we appreciate becoming a destination for young people,” Neeley said. “Someday we will welcome these crowds to our great city. Now is not the time.”
Neeley also noted that the city of Flint continues to adamantly support all people’s ability to peacefully gather, including to protest.
Actions being taken by the city of Flint:
- The city of Flint will not issue permits to allow any festivals or large gatherings while the governor’s executive order remains in effect.
- The city of Flint is increasing patrols July 4 weekend and both the Michigan State Police and the University of Michigan-Flint are working in conjunction with the Flint Police Department to increase police presence when and where needed.
- Police will actively enforce violations of open intox laws.
- Additional signage expressly forbidding loitering will be posted as appropriate in problem areas.
- Closing hours for city parks will be posted and enforced. All city parks are closed from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. per city ordinance.
In response, Gov. Whitmer’s also issued Executive Order 2020-143 on July 1, closing down indoor service at bars. All Flint restaurants and bars will continue to fall under those mandates, which also require those establishments maintain social distancing and eliminate areas where customers could congregate.
