Graton casino abruptly cancels 4,000-person New Year's Eve party

ROHNERT PARK, Calif. - Graton Resort and Casino in Rohnert Park abrputly cancelled plans Thursday for a massive New Year's eve party that concerned Sonoma County health officials amid the latest surge in COVID-19 cases.

The county says 4,000 guests were expected to attend the event -- but because it's on tribal land, the state's stay home mandates wouldn't apply.

In a statement sent to KTVU Thursday afternoon, the casino now says "All parties and gatherings on New Years Eve have been cancelled." 

The Graton tribal chairman told the Chronicle it's a private party and organizers are following all centers for disease control safety requirements, including social distancing.

Sonoma County has a daily average of 300 new COVID-19 cases which is triple the number from last month.