BROCKTON, Mass. (WBZ NewsRadio) — A citywide curfew is scheduled to go into effect in Brockton on Saturday night, in an effort to slow the spread of COVID-19.
According to the Executive Order signed Friday by Mayor Robert F. Sullivan, starting on Saturday, August 22, with a few exceptions for essential travel, all residents and visitors to the city of Brockton must stay at home between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m.
On August 19, the state Department of Health designated Brockton as one of the state's "high risk" communities for COVID-19. The city has had 8.5 coronavirus cases per day per 100,000 residents over the prior two weeks.
Brockton has also been the site of several house parties that exceeded the state guidelines for gathering sizes amid the pandemic. According to the state DPH, some of those parties have led to "COVID-19 clusters."
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Mayor Sullivan said a City COVID-19 Enforcement Team, a cross-functional team of city administration, public health and public safety officials, was also established in the Executive Order "to combat the spread of COVID-19, and alert individuals as to the urgency of health and safety precautions."
Brockton's COVID-19 Enforcement Team will consist of the Mayor, Police Chief, Fire Chief, BEMA Director, Board of Health, Law Department, and the City's Pandemic Consultant.
The Order says all residents and visitors must also abide by statewide rules for facial coverings in Brockton's public spaces, gathering size limitations, and social distancing guidelines.
Violation of the Executive Order could result in a fine of $200 for a first offense, $350 for a second offense, $500 for a third and any subsequent offenses. Continued non-compliance may result in the City seeking a criminal complaint.
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(Photo: Brockton Police)