Department of health revokes Royal Grove event plan after weekend concert



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LINCOLN, Neb. (Press Release) – The Lincoln-Lancaster County Health Department (LLCHD) has revoked the Royal Grove’s event plan after receiving information about an on-site concert. Health Director Pat Lopez said LLCHD had received numerous complaints about the Sada Baby concert on Saturday, November 7, and photos from the event show numerous violations of the local directed health measure. The Royal Grove will not be able to organize any events without the approval by LLCHD of a new event plan. The city attorney’s office is considering legal action.

Lopez said the photos show dozens of customers were very close to each other, without social distancing and not wearing masks. They were also not seated at tables in groups of eight or less and at least six feet apart.

“Having an event plan is important, but making sure your customers comply with that plan is essential to prevent the spread of the coronavirus in our community,” Lopez said. “The concert at the Royal Grove last Saturday clearly had the potential to be a ‘super spreader’ event leading to massive numbers of COVID-19 cases. Our healthcare systems are under serious stress right now and are caring for more COVID-19 patients than ever. Activities like this are just not acceptable right now and impact our entire community. “

In a Facebook post on Monday, The Royal Grove said it had a plan in place, but the number of staff relative to those present made it difficult for employees to enforce it.

At Saturday’s event, our staff struggled to apply these guidelines. Despite our best efforts, due to the excitement and energy level of the event, it was overwhelming for our staff of 22 to enforce these mandates to a crowd of 500 (or 50% of the capacity from our “normal” room, in accordance with the capacity restrictions as of Saturday in the state of Nebraska).

The Royal Grove posted on its Facebook page ahead of Saturday’s sold-out event to inform attendees of the health and safety guidelines.

LLCHD is urging everyone who attended the event to self-quarantine for 14 days to protect others. Those who develop symptoms of COVID-19 are also advised to get tested.

The COVID-19 risk dial is now in the red position. The position of the red dial indicates a serious risk of the virus spreading. Residents are advised to stay home unless they are traveling for work, school, food or medical care or to check if others may need help.

For more information visit COVID19.lincoln.ne.gov or call the Department of Health hotline at 402-441-8006.

Copyright 2020 KOLN. All rights reserved.

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