Livingston Cops Continue To Break Up Crowds Amid Coronavirus

LIVINGSTON, NJ — Health and public safety officials across New Jersey have repeatedly warned residents to stay at home and help stop the spread of the new coronavirus. But in multiple Essex County municipalities – including Livingston – not everyone is listening.

In Livingston, local police have been struggling with people who are ignoring Gov. Phil Murphy’s order to "stay at home."

• See related article: Car Thieves Not Quarantining At Home, Livingston Police Say

Livingston police have offered more information about the incidents on social media.

March 18 – “Over the past two days we have received several reports of groups of kids congregating at places like the Oval, Burnet Hill school, the Little League fields, and I’m sure other places as well. We would like to remind everyone that all parks in town are closed until further notice. We ask that you keep your children home and not allow them to meet up in groups. Please make our jobs easier and not more difficult during this time. This is not a time for ‘kids will be kids’ or it ‘won’t happen to them’ attitude. Also, while walking on the oval has not been banned, we do not recommend it at this time. If you do please remember the recommendation of 6 feet apart from non-household members.”

March 20 – “Once again we would like to remind residents to please not gather in groups of more than 10 people and if you or your children must please remember social distancing. We are still getting calls to multiple locations with large groups especially the fields and courts around town. Parents please keep tabs on your children during this time and enforce the restrictions. Thank you.”

April 1 – “Today the township took the steps to block off parking in the lots around the Oval and Northland Pool. Hopefully this will curb groups from meeting up and hanging out in the lots. Also a reminder that all school fields, parking lots, and property is off limits as well.”

April 4 – “Just a reminder that gatherings in driveways are not acceptable during this time. We have responded to several locations for these calls today.”

The Livingston Police Department isn’t the only force in Essex County to see trouble with COVID-19 enforcement.

In nearby Newark, despite a citywide lockdown, police gave out more than 800 summonses to people who allegedly violated the executive order to stay home last week. In addition, 44 non-essential businesses were closed, officials said.

READ MORE: NJ Coronavirus Updates (Here's What You Need To Know)

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