Video Shows Large House Party in Chicago Amid Pandemic

The closed Chicago Theatre is seen in Chicago, Ill., on March 21, 2020. Kamil Krzaczynski/AFP via Getty Images

A video shows what appears to be a large house party on Saturday night in Chicago’s South Side, prompting fears among residents.

A clip of the party was uploaded on social media, showing a completely packed house. Some people were seen wearing face masks. The video, uploaded by Tink Purcell, had nearly 1 million views and significant engagement on Facebook.

Some reports claimed that around 1,000 people attended the party, although that number is not confirmed. The video, however, shows around 100 people jammed into a room.

“I’m not worried about [getting COVID-19] ... but if I didn’t have it before, I probably got it now. Oh well,” one attendee was quoted by TMZ as saying.

The Chicago Police Department confirmed the event to WGN, saying the party took place in the 700 block of East 79th Street in Grand Crossing.

A department spokesperson said they didn’t issue any citations or arrest anyone over the party.

“Police cleared the job without creating paperwork,” the spokesman said.

But some residents said there were too many people at the event.

“This upsets me because everyone is thinking about themselves and not others that they may be spreading it to,” said Chicago resident Jayna Lynn, according to WGN. “Death just doesn’t seem like something to be serious about to most during this pandemic.”