'It's A Very Serious Situation': Miami's Deputy Police Chief Concerned Over Balcony Party Video From David Guetta COVID-19 Relief Concert
MIAMI (CBSMiami) – Miami police dispersed crowds violating social distancing guidelines during David Guetta's relief concert in Miami on Saturday, but they missed one and the video posted on social media has some people very upset.
Miami's Juan Patron is apologizing for taking video of himself at the party at Icon Brickell that shows more than a dozen people next to each other and holding a party on a balcony at the building overlooking the concert.
Patron said online, "I want to say that protective measures that are in place are important. It is important to take action like I did and leave when things got out of hand. But I apologize. It was sending the wrong message and I am going to self quarantine for a couple of days."
Ron Papier, Miami's Deputy Police Chief, tells CBS4'S Peter D'Oench that police plan to get in touch with the owner of the condo and the building about the party that was held on Saturday. Only one person was seen wearing a mask.
"We are very concerned because people were not wearing masks and were not social distancing," said Papier. "It's a very serious situation and people need to follow the rules that are set forth. The purpose of these concerts is to provide entertainment for people to follow the rules in self isolation and not invite other people into their homes. That is contrary to what we are promoting. You could see on this video people dancing and breathing heavy and jumping up and down and they were not protected by masks. We don't know where they came from or who they had been in contact with."
Papier added, "We are also asking for the help of business owners and the owners or managers of companies to please only allow essential people or family members into these units. To everybody, we need to get through this pandemic safely. We need to wear masks and practice social distancing and shelter in place and only go up when necessary."
He said anyone participating in such a gathering could be cited.
D'Oench also spoke with one man who attended the party at ICON Brickell.
"I think we should have kept it online," he said.
But other residents of Icon Brickell disagreed.
"I think people are trying to inspire a sense of community. It's a positive thing. I realize a gathering like this was controversial but they were partying for a good cause," said Emanuela Delpeschio.
"I think it was a great break from the quarantine. I think people are trying to be safe. No we are not supposed to gather in groups of more than 10 people but I don't see what was wrong with that. It was for a good cause," agreed Albert Katz.
CBS4 reached out to Icon Brickell for a statement but has not heard back.
The two-hour concert was streamed live as millions tuned in around the world. It was in partnership with the Miami Downtown Development Authority to raise money for non-profits.
Guetta says the concert raised $700,000 for four organizations, including Feeding South Florida and the World Health Organization.
The show took place outside of Icon Brickell and the W Brickell and for some lucky residents, it was a party on their balconies, like many of the ones seen in Brickell during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Florida has prohibited gatherings of more than 10 people during the pandemic.
It's estimated about 5,000 people from the buildings in downtown Miami and Brickell got to see the show in person.
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