Implement stronger punishments for hosting super-spreader events

Creating+concrete+and+steadfast+rules+and+laws+with+actual+repercussions+pertaining+to+parties+and+super-spreader+events+will+deter+people+from+engaging+in+them%2C+writes+reporter+Margot+Konetzka.

Midway staff

Creating concrete and steadfast rules and laws with actual repercussions pertaining to parties and super-spreader events will deter people from engaging in them, writes reporter Margot Konetzka.

Margot Konetzka, Reporter

Super-spreader events have been dangerous throughout the pandemic as they run the risk of infecting large swaths of people with COVID-19 and participants often face no repercussions. 

Because of this, creating concrete and steadfast rules and laws with actual repercussions pertaining to parties and super-spreader events will deter people from engaging in them and lower the number of cases and deaths in the city, keeping everyone safer and healthier.

Creating more serious punishments for people who fail to comply with state laws on gathering limits would significantly decrease rule-breaking and failure to comply. Events such as a Long Island wedding with 113 guests that ended up infecting at least 41 people would be rarer if a more serious repercussion than a rescinded liquor license was in place.

Creating rules such as steeper fines, fining based on income to appropriately fine people with more or less money, or attaching more serious legal implications could do so much more to stop people from acting out against state laws and guidelines.