A packed Memorial Day weekend party in Lake of the Ozarks, Missouri, has gone viral as concerns over the spread of COVID-19. Scott Pasmore, a news anchor in Phoenix, shared a video Saturday of the crowd gathered at Osage Beach on Twitter, which received nearly 50,000 likes.

While Missouri has begun to ease some lockdown protocols as of early May, they have not been lifted to the extent that would allow such a dense public gathering. Under the state’s current guidelines, restaurants can begin reopening for dine-in services but must continue to enforce some level of social distancing rules.

The establishment where the video was taken, Backwater Jack’s Bar & Grill, had advertised a “Zero Ducks Given Pool Party” on that day, which promised bands and DJs for the event. The location claimed that, despite appearances, it had worked with government officials to enforce social distancing guidelines.

Speaking with CNN, Missouri-native Jodi Akins gave an account of attending the event with friends.

“When we walked up my first words were 'oh my gosh' it was intense for sure!!” Akins explained in a written statement. “Social distancing was nonexistent. However everyone was enjoying themselves. It was a very carefree environment but security was heavy!!”

Akins also said that the bar took patrons’ temperatures before entering and had “thousands” of bottles of hand sanitizer available.

Missouri began relaxing its statewide lockdowns on May 4, with restaurants and retail businesses able to open while limiting the number of customers indoors at one time. Schools remain closed and social distancing rules remain in effect, except for those whose jobs make it impossible to do so.

The state’s rate of new coronavirus cases is considered to be shrinking, according to a USA Today report. From May 7-21, the state reported 2,108 new cases, compared to 3,075 in the 14 days prior to that.

Osage Beach is located in central Missouri and is roughly midway between Kansas City and St. Louis.

RELATED STORIES
Coronavirus