FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 18, 2020

Statement from Rockland County Department of Health regarding Catered Events and Large Social Gatherings

New City, NY, - The Rockland County Department of Health is deploying inspectors as complaints are received to ensure that gatherings of more than 50 people and catered events are not occurring locally. This action is based upon the guidance of the Governor which does not allow for gatherings of more than 50 people and considers catered events to be the same as restaurants.

Any gathering of more than 50 people or a catered event is considered a Public Health Nuisance by the Rockland County Department of Health and when discovered will be ordered shut down with a fine of $2,000 per day per violation.

To report a gathering of more than 50 people or a catered event being held in a public venue please call the Rockland County Department of Health at 845-364-2608.

Ateres Chaya Surah, 106 S Madison Avenue, Spring Valley, NY – the event on 3/17/20 was shut down and will be fined $2,000 after inspectors observed over 100 people at the location.

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The Governor's Office has said that catered events in public venues are included in the Order closing bars and restaurants in New York State regardless of how many people are in attendance. Therefore, these food service establishments can only provide takeout service and cannot serve food on their premises.

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