Councilman DeFusco's crowded INDOOR fundraiser amidst Hoboken COVID spike

First Ward Councilman Michael DeFusco promised two things to attendees of his October 26 fundraiser. Number one: the event would be hosted outdoors. Number two: the event would be in compliance with the state's social distancing regulations.

DeFusco broke both promises. 

Witnesses report that the event was held indoors at a cozy Second Ward venue.  

Was it the drizzly weather or had the Councilman always intended to cram his guests inside?  It doesn't matter to folks who thought they would enjoy a safe evening outdoors but instead were packed inside like sardines against state COVID-19 guidelines, in what one may describe as potential 'super-spreader' conditions.

Would one prefer a little drizzle to a lot of ventilator? If the weather was the problem, the event could have been postponed. Instead, guests were shepherded indoors. 

And that is Defusco's second broken promise. New Jersey COVID-19 restrictions mandate that indoor political events run at 25% maximum capacity and that all wear masks and social-distance at CDC guidelines of 6 feet apart minimum. 

It's clear from witness photographs that Councilman DeFusco did not enforce state restrictions on social distancing, and folks were seen entering and inside without masks on.  Witnesses report that employees at the venue were reportedly  masks and doing their best under difficult circumstances: however the host put their health and that of his guests at risk.  

DONORS SHOULD BE REFUNDED

That is my opinion. The host, Councilman DeFusco, misrepresented to guests that he'd ensure them a safe evening outdoors and comply with state social distancing restrictions. He did neither. As a result of Defusco's bait-and-switch, guests may have taken away more than memories. 

Did the host ask attendees to sign a waiver indemnifying him from liability should they contract the virus? Trump does; he makes it known to all MAGA rally attendees that their attendance is their consent not to hold the Trump campaign  responsible should they contract COVID-19.  

Given such reckless deception, DeFusco's guests deserve a full refund of their donation along with an apology. 

NJ coronavirus cases are up 59% in the past 14 days. Given the sudden spike in covid-positive cases here in Hoboken, one can assume the number of asymptomatic carriers has spiked, with symptomatic folks getting tested.  Hence, it is especially foolish to hold a crowded, indoor fundraiser now. Why not a virtual event?  

SOME WHO APPEAR AMBIVALENT ABOUT COVID SPREAD IN HOBOKEN

From blowing off numerous council covid-status meetings at the start of the pandemic, to boasting about going to the gym in Manhattan after Hoboken's were shut down, to multiple sightings around Hoboken without wearing a mask, to that unbelievable "social-distancing in a hammock" social media post, to this- a bait and switch fundraiser, Councilman DeFusco clearly does not take this pandemic crisis seriously. 

I suspect, neither does Councilwoman Fisher. I'm told she is complaining on social media about the Mayor's Executive Order closing bars at midnightin order to mitigate further spread of coronavirus in Hoboken. Remember, she'd once complained about the mayor shutting down bars and restaurants at the start of the pandemic. The mayor's quick response to shut down virus spread in Hoboken is believed to have saved lives. 

I don't get any of it. 

The stress and suffering and tumult this pandemic has caused EVERYONE, yet a few council members are more concerned with lining their pockets with political donations, or reflexively whining about a mayor who DOES care about the health and safety of Hoboken residents.  

 MOCKING SOCIAL DISTANCING

16,324 New Jersey residents are DEAD from coronavirus