Lake of the Ozarks area partiers weren't about to let a little worldwide pandemic get in the way of their Memorial Day weekend revelry.
Missouri made national news over the weekend when video was shot at Backwater Jack's "Zero Ducks Given Pool Party" showing people packed in the business' pool, drinking and socializing in close quarters without masks.
"We're still doing everything we can to keep our customers healthy, safe, and properly social-distanced, but that doesn't mean we can't have some fun at the same time," the business said in a blog on its website.
Among other things, the business said it was "operating at a reduced capacity to allow for social distancing."
The bar did appear to take some precautions, such as taking guests' temperatures and handing out hand sanitizer. However, the social distancing obviously didn't happen.
The bar and its patrons were roundly - and rightly - criticized for their reckless behavior.
"Shame on you for letting your party get out of hand," one person commented on Backwater Jack's blog.
Another wrote: "People are going to die because of you."
Other similar videos from around the country also showed revelers flouting social distancing regulations amid Memorial Day weekend celebrations.
The lake area incident caused the St. Louis County Public Health Department to issue a travel advisory: "Any person who has traveled and engaged in this behavior should self-quarantine for 14 days or until they receive a negative test result for COVID-19." We hope those involved will take that to heart.
As we reopen our state and our nation, we need to do so slowly and carefully. Incidents like the ones this past weekend will set back our nation's effort to fight this pandemic. They also could endanger the health and lives of not just the revelers, but everyone they come into contact with.
News Tribune