MANCHESTER-BY-THE-SEA– Police Chief Todd Fitzgerald reports that Manchester Police recently responded to two incidents where the state’s social gatherings limit for private residences was being violated.

This weekend Manchester Police responded to two separate indoor incidents at private residences, one involving approximately 70 people and another with approximately 25. Both the Manchester Board of Health and the Manchester Police Department are investigating, No fines have been issued at this time.

“Gov. Baker updated the limitations on private gatherings earlier this month because our state is seeing a rise in cases and it is essential that everyone heeds these updated expectations,” Chief Fitzgerald said. “It’s critical that our community continues to take the necessary precautions to keep people safe and healthy amid the ongoing pandemic, and we will continue enforcing this order as needed. We’re urging everyone, please, do the right thing. Keep your gatherings small.”

On Nov. 2, Gov. Charlie Baker updated the state’s gathering size limit to 10 people for indoor gatherings at private residences and 25 for outdoor gatherings at private residences. All gatherings must end by 9:30 p.m.

Those who host gatherings are also required by the order to report known positive cases of COVID-19 to their local health department and participate in contact tracing.

Local health and police departments are authorized under the order to fine organizers of gatherings $500 per person above the gatherings limit. To read the Nov. 2 order, click here. 

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