Officials investigate wedding in Kiryas Joel that was expected to draw thousands

State health officials are investigating wedding celebrations attended by the Satmar grand rabbi Monday night in a former Orange County red zone.
A warning was issued in Kiryas Joel after state officials were tipped off to several wedding celebrations planned that night throughout the village – expected to draw thousands - for Satmar Grand Rabbi Aaron Teitelbaum's granddaughter.
Despite the warning, the event made headlines Tuesday morning for seemingly snubbing the cease-and-desist and state law requiring masks, social distancing and gatherings of no more than 50 people.
The state's efforts follow a massive wedding in Brooklyn earlier this month that also made headlines.
That wedding was officiated by the grand rabbi and drew thousands without masks seen in a viral video.
This time, officials tried to stop the potential coronavirus super-spreader in a what appears to be a new proactive approach amidst ramped up efforts to curb statewide spread during the second wave.
The state Health Department said in a statement, "The order we issued on Monday morning was clear: social gatherings must follow strict protocols regarding capacity limits, mask wearing and social distancing in order to help stop the spread of COVID-19. We are aware of reports that a gathering was held and are investigating whether there was adherence to the guidelines laid out in the order. If not, we will pursue all appropriate legal remedies."
So far, News 12 is unaware of any enforcement action to date in Kiryas Joel despite its former designation as a red zone and history of noncompliance since March.