Coronavirus In California: Dozens Attend LA Party For First Responders Without Masks

A party for first responders in Los Angeles drew dozens of attendees to a Hollywood bar on Friday night, with no face masks or social distancing. CNN first reported the story following a tip, noting the partygoers entered the bar from the back and could be seen from the sidewalk out front.

“We are investigating reports of a private indoor party and remind all businesses that have been ordered to close indoor operations that there are no exceptions,” the Los Angeles County Health Department said in a statement. “This is exactly the situation that puts our entire community at unnecessary risk.”

The bar that hosted the party, Sassafras Saloon confirmed the incident, explaining that the event was meant to “honor a group of first responders.” The owners of the bar declined to name the group or the agency with which it was affiliated, but confirmed it had paid to rent the location and its employees for the night.

Earlier in the week, California Gov. Gavin Newsom told state residents to “wake up” and face the reality that measures must still be taken to avoid spreading COVID-19. California is among the more than 40 states currently grappling with a resurgence of the deadly virus in recent weeks.

Newsom recently imposed new restrictions in response to the resurgence, barring public gatherings at bars unless they serve food, in which case they can offer patio service. The owners of the bar defended the gathering as lawful because they have a full kitchen.

“Everybody is either family or works at the same place so that's why we don't have COVID concerns,” a man who spoke to CNN explained. “They're a micro-group or whatever with each other and everyone's been tested and everything. That's why we all know that everyone in there is cool.”

He went on to claim that all attendees were spaced out, wearing protective gear, and were getting their temperatures checked. Despite these claims, CNN said it did not see any evidence of these practices.