SALT LAKE CITY (AP) - County officials in Utah have warned against hosting large gatherings for New Year’s Eve without a permit, which is now required under safety guidelines intended to stop the spread of the coronavirus.
Utah County Sheriff Sgt. Spencer Cannon raised concerns about potential gatherings, especially those being advertised without locations, FOX13 reported Tuesday.
Cannon said some events don’t announce the location until the day before, thinking there is less of a chance of police breaking up the party.
A Utah County-based group “YNG + DMB” posted on Instagram on Tuesday announcing a party. The “Hip Hop New Years 2021″ party is planned for Thursday night, but a location has not yet been announced. Organizers said in the post that the location will be revealed the day of the event.
YNG + DMB did not immediately respond to requests for comment by The Associated Press.
Utah County Attorney David Leavitt said all New Year’s Eve parties must have valid permits before they can gather while “really adhering to their societal responsibilities to help us get through this pandemic.”
Utah County Health Department spokeswoman Aislynn Tolman-Hill said the department has not received an event permit for YNG + DMB.
Leavitt said charges will not be brought against people for not wearing a mask in the county, but certain health violations could result in prosecution. It is unclear if not having a permit could result in prosecution.
Cannon said most large-scale events without permits are broken up because of sanitation, security, parking, potential of illegal activity and safety concerns for guests. Police also consider officer safety in choosing to stop a gathering.
For most people, the new coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough that clear up in two to three weeks. For some - especially older adults and people with existing health problems - it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia, and death.
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