Ohio Club Gets Shut Down For COVID-19 Violations After Packed Trey Songz Concert
A nightclub in Columbus, Ohio has reportedly been cited and forced to temporarily close for violating COVID-19 health orders after nearly 500 patrons attended an indoor Trey Songz concert on Saturday night (December 5).
The Ohio Investigative Unit told NBC News in a statement that the venue had no physical barriers in place to encourage social distancing. And to make things even more concerning, those in attendance were largely there without wearing masks.
Video posted of the event shows the singer at the event and on-stage.
“Basically, it was just a concert environment,” OIU enforcement commander Eric Wolf told NBC News affiliate WCMH. “If you had taken that event and put it in 2019, it would have been pretty much the same concert, same event that was taking place last night.”
According to WBNS, Columbus City Attorney Zach Klein said the city secured a temporary restraining order, which means the venue must shut down until a further decision is made by a court. That case is expected to be heard on December 17.
“We are open to working with folks to make sure that they’re following the rules and keeping their businesses going,” said Klein. “It’s on all of us to do everything we can to reduce community spread and keep the Columbus community safe and healthy.”
The venue, Aftermath, made a promotional Instagram post prior to the concert on Saturday. “This Saturday December 5th, Trey Songz Will be at the ALL NEW AFTERMATH!!! Doors open at 6pm,” the caption reads.
Ohio has reported more than 484,000 cases and more than 7,000 deaths from the coronavirus as of Monday.
For the latest on the coronavirus, check out BET’s blog on the virus, and contact your local health department or visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website.
