Dearborn: No More Block Parties During Coronavirus Pandemic

DEARBORN, MI — Citing a desire to stay cautious regarding potential health risks, city of Dearborn officials on Tuesday told residents there will be no more city block party permits issued during the coronavirus pandemic. However, block parties that had been approved prior to Tuesday can continue, officials said.

Officials said that while block parties are a tradition in Dearborn, they could be a source of the spread of the coronavirus.

“I encourage all Dearborn residents to look out for one another and not engage in activities that are spreading the virus,” Mayor Jack O’Reilly said. “As individuals, we have tremendous power to control the virus—wear a mask, keep 6 feet away, and avoid large gatherings when you can’t social distance. I encourage everyone to exercise their power to be safe and keep their loved ones safe.”

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Dearborn is experiencing a worrisome spike in the number of COVID-19 cases, and large gatherings in which social distancing cannot be guaranteed are said to be playing a part in the spread of the illness, which can be deadly, officials said.

In Dearborn, 114 people have died from the virus. Dearborn’s case numbers are the highest in Wayne County, outside of Detroit, and are continuing to climb.

Officials said the city has no extensive way to monitor the number of people at a block party at any given time or to ensure attendees are wearing face masks and staying at least six feet apart from people not within their own household.

State law requires the six-foot distance for outdoor gatherings, and limits the number of attendees to 100.

Dearborn police have been called to a number of block parties as well as other outdoor celebrations, officials said. Residents are asked to call police at if they believe that people are in danger of contracting the illness because attendees are not maintaining the proper distance from one another, or if they believe the number exceeds the 100 person limit set by state law.