New York sheriffs say they won’t enforce Cuomo’s limits on Thanksgiving gatherings

Law enforcement bosses say they do not have jurisdiction to act

A string of sheriffs in New York state say they will not enforce governor Andrew Cuomo’s Covid restrictions on Thanksgiving gatherings.

Mr Cuomo announced last week that indoor get togethers should be limited to just ten people during the holidays.

Now at least four sheriffs in Erie, Fulton, Saratoga and Washington counties have said they will not have deputies enforce the restrictions.

“With regard to the Thanksgiving Executive Order, the Fulton County Sheriff's Office will NOT be enforcing it against our County residents,” wrote Richard Giardino on the Fulton County Sheriff's Office Facebook page.

“Frankly, I am not sure it could sustain a constitutional challenge in court for several reasons including your house is your castle.”Erie County Sheriff Timothy Howard also said he would not send out deputies to “break up the great tradition of Thanksgiving dinner.”

But he told people in his county to “follow your heart and act responsibly”.

Saratoga County Sheriff Michael Zurlo and Jeff Murphy of Washington County both also stated that what people did inside their own homes was beyond their jurisdiction.

An advisor for Mr Cuomo urged the state’s residents to follow guidelines with their families.

"We urge everyone to continue to be smart and act responsibly. We know this makes people unhappy, but better unhappy then sick or worse,” said Rich Azzopardi.