No-dancing-allowed wedding infects 5 guests with COVID-19, Michigan officials say

At least five people who attended a Michigan wedding in mid-July now have coronavirus, according to the Wayne County Health Department.

The July 18 wedding reception at Crystal Gardens Banquet Hall in the Detroit suburb Southgate was attended by more than 100 people, the health department said.

Those who attended the reception are now encouraged to get tested and self quarantine. Michigan does not allow events and gatherings of more than 100 people, according to an executive order by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer.

The health department said it notified all banquet halls in the county, “reaffirming the governor’s orders.”

It’s unclear if the banquet hall will be punished, but a spokesperson said the facility took precautions.

The indoor reception lasted only three hours and there was no partying or dancing, the spokesperson told WDIV.

“Social distancing was practiced,” said Mort Meisner, spokesman for the banquet hall, according to the Detroit Free Press. “So many of the many events we’ve had scheduled have been moved into the fall or winter. Some have been moved to an outdoor park in Southgate, but we did go ahead with this event because the people were desperate to have it.”

Meisner told the newspaper it is “regrettable anyone is sick” but questioned why they could be considered in violation at 10% capacity when restaurants in the state are allowed to be open at 50% capacity.

This story was originally published July 30, 2020 at 11:27 AM with the headline "No-dancing-allowed wedding infects 5 guests with COVID-19, Michigan officials say."