New York concert to be investigated over 'egregious' social-distancing violations, Cuomo says

[July 28, 2020]  (Reuters) - New York Governor Andrew Cuomo said on Monday that health authorities would investigate a charity concert, which included performances by Goldman Sachs Group <GS.N> boss David Solomon and the Chainsmokers, over social distancing violations.

The drive-in event, called 'Safe & Sound', had space for about 600 cars and was held in Southampton, New York on Saturday. It was the first in a series of such concerts planned for the United States, according to its organizer's

Solomon, who goes by the deejay name D-Sol, was on stage and performed for an hour. "The group that put this together did an incredible job in a difficult environment," he said in an interview  with Bloomberg.

"Videos from a concert held in Southampton on Saturday show egregious social distancing violations," Cuomo said in a tweet . "I am appalled."

The organizers said in a statement that they collaborated with all state and local health officials and the concert followed the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) guidelines.

New York Governor Andrew Cuomo speaks during a daily briefing following the outbreak of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in Manhattan in New York City, New York, U.S., July 13, 2020. REUTERS/Mike Segar

New York has been one of the worst coronavirus-affected regions in United States, recording more deaths than any other U.S. state. Cuomo, a Democrat, announced limited and phased reopenings in the state starting mid-May, according to the New York Times .

Profits from the event, for which tickets cost up to $25,000, will go to several local charity, according to Billboard .

(Reporting by Ismail Shakil in Bengaluru. Editing by Gerry Doyle)

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