DOVER, Del. (AP) - Police in Delaware have cited two people for violating state prohibitions on gatherings because of the coronavirus.
Police were called to an apartment in Newark shortly after 11 p.m. Wednesday regarding a complaint about loud music.
Officers found 18 people in the apartment, in addition to the two tenants, who were holding a birthday party.
The two tenants were issued summonses for violating the city’s noise ordinance and an ordinance passed on March 16 that prohibits gatherings of more than 10 people. The guest were reminded of social distancing requirements.
Gov. John Carney issued a similar restriction on gatherings of more than 10 people that was to take effect at 8 p.m. Thursday. The prohibition applies to weddings, funerals and other activities.
State official have reported more than 365 cases of coronavirus, and 11 deaths. The Catholic Diocese of Wilmington reported Thursday that a retired priest had died Wednesday of complications from the virus, which would bring the death toll to 12.
The diocese said the Rev. Hilary Rodgers, 75, is at least the fourth resident of the Little Sisters of the Poor Jeanne Jugan Residence in Newark to die after contracting the virus.
For most people, the coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough that clear up in two to three weeks. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia, and death.
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