An illegal Sweet 16 birthday party in the US turned into a “super-spreader event” and has been linked to at least 37 cases of coronavirus, authorities say.

The party was held in Long Island, New York, on 25 September and was attended by 81 people.

Some 29 of them have since tested positive for COVID-19.

Seven of their household members, as well as a close contact of a person who was there, have also been diagnosed with coronavirus.

Non-essential gatherings in the state are limited to 50% capacity or fewer than 50 people, whichever number is lower.

The 37 people linked to the event who tested positive are 28 students and nine adults.

According to Suffolk County health officials, 270 people have been told to self-isolate as a result of the party.

Authorities have imposed a $10,000 (£7,700) fine on the Miller Place Inn, the venue that hosted the event, for breaching coronavirus restrictions. The inn is also facing a $2,000 fine for violating Suffolk County’s sanitary code.

Suffolk County executive Steve Bellone described the party as an “egregious violation” of the rules, and tweeted “we’ve never seen a super-spreader event like this before in Suffolk County”.

Health commissioner Dr Gregson Pigott has said the situation is under control and there is currently no community spread.

Mr Pigott added “this cluster should serve as a stark reminder of the consequences of violating COVID-19 rules and regulations”.

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