East Lansing police issue 4 citations for violating health orders

EAST LANSING – East Lansing Police issued four citations this weekend to people who violated city ordinances or public health orders designed to prevent spread of COVID-19.

The Michigan State University Police Department did not issue any citations on campus during the weekend that featured the Spartans first home football game of 2020, a largely fan-free event with no tailgating and no one permitted in the stadium other than families of players and coaches.

The university had also prohibited open alcohol containers on campus Saturday, a rule usually waived on home game days in deference to tailgate parties held before and after the game.

Deputy Chief Steve Gonzalez did not have details about citations issued by his officers on Sunday.

MSU PD Capt. Chris Rozman said officers had no issues on campus and students followed the rules during the first home football game, a 38-27 loss to Rutgers.

“Although the MSU Police Department had extra officers working to monitor parking lots and campus spaces we did not issue any citations or make any arrests on campus and we had no issues at all with tailgating," Rozman said.

More:In East Lansing on a game day like no other: Strict COVID rules and security guards

In East Lansing, restrictions included no indoor gatherings with more than 10 people, no large outdoor gatherings with more than 25 people in parts of the city nearest to campus. The city also requires face masks when outdoors in its downtown areas. 

More:Couch: Wait to judge Mel Tucker until he has a chance to do the work he was hired to do

Those who violate local health orders could face a maximum $500 fine.

City officials have said the local restrictions are needed as East Lansing continues to see a growing number of COVID-19 cases.

The 48823 ZIP code, which includes much of East Lansing, has recorded between 1,721 and 1,730 COVID cases – the highest number for a ZIP code in Ingham County.

Health officials have reported 1,700 MSU-tied COVID cases since July. MSU-tied cases are 40% of Ingham County's total cases since the pandemic arrived in Michigan in March.

More:Should Big Ten football put community COVID rates in its game plan? Officials say 'yes'

Ingham County has reported 4,366 positive cases of COVID-19 and 61 deaths, according to the latest figures from the Ingham County Health Department.

The Spartans' next game is noon Saturday against perennial rival the University of Michigan Wolverines. It will be played in Ann Arbor.

Contact reporter Craig Lyons at 517-377-1047 or calyons@lsj.com. Follow him on Twitter @craigalyons.