Cut out the drive-by birthday greetings, police officers in one town are telling residents in the latest crackdown inspired by Gov. Phil Murphy’s stay-at-home directives.

In light of the spread of the coronavirus across New Jersey, Sparta Police Chief Neil Spidaletto is asking for “the immediate cease and desist of individual celebratory processions,” according to an announcement on the department’s Facebook page.

“Regrettably, this measure must be taken to ensure that our community, and each resident within it, remains compliant with all state mandates around COVID-19 as ordered by Governor Murphy,” read the announcement.

With public gatherings in New Jersey prohibited amid the coronavirus outbreak, some have attempted to salvage a semblance of good cheer by stopping in front of a home on a child’s birthday, typically honking a horn and waving before departing.

Sparta Police Lt. John Lamon told NJ Advance Media the well-intentioned gestures run afoul of Murphy’s orders, which direct residents to stay home unless travel is essential.

“It’s a nice gesture. It’s nice for the kids involved and everything else. The only problem is, is starts to draw people out on the streets,” Lamon said.

Murphy banned public gatherings such as parties, celebrations and other social events under an executive order that took effect March 21.

Lamon said no one incident prompted the police chief’s announcement. However, in addition to the drive-by birthday greetings, he said the department has heard about teachers driving by the homes of displaced students in an effort to cheer them up.

Moreover, with Easter coming up on Sunday, Lamon said there is a concern about the holiday prompting similar-type events, perhaps with an Easter Bunny theme.

“It’s nothing against anyone,” Lamon said.

“It’s the idea that things are supposed to get worse in the next couple of weeks, so it’s not something we’d want to promote right now,” Lamon said, referring to efforts aimed at deterring the spread of the coronavirus in New Jersey.

Though police elsewhere in New Jersey have issued charges upon breaking up public gatherings, the Sparta police chief’s announcement did not warn about possible penalties.

Lamon said the primary goal is to raise awareness.

“It’s just more of a precautionary thing, to say, ‘hey, this is probably not a good time for that.’ I think most people understand,” he said.

Of Sussex County’s 24 municipalities, Sparta had the most confirmed coronavirus cases, 54, as of Thursday. At least four residents have died. Statewide, there are more than 51,000 confirmed cases.

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Rob Jennings may be reached at rjennings@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter@RobJenningsNJ. Find NJ.com on Facebook.