Coronavirus: At least 24 COVID-19 infections linked to Maine wedding reception

MILLINOCKET, Maine — Public health officials in Maine announced Monday that an investigation has been launched into a novel coronavirus outbreak traced to a wedding reception at Big Moose Inn in Millinocket.

At least 24 people associated with the Aug. 7 event have tested positive for COVID-19 to date, WCSH reported.

Meanwhile, the Kennebec Journal & Morning Sentinel pegs the number of infections linked to the reception at 28.

According to WCSH, the Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention has identified 18 COVID-19-positive people who attended the reception and six others who had close contact with reception attendees, all of whom are Maine residents.

According to the Maine CDC, an estimated 65 guests attended the event, and an outbreak is defined as three or more cases that are epidemiologically linked, the TV station reported.

The Kennebec Journal & Morning Sentinel’s data includes an additional four people who had close contact with reception attendees and has been verified by the Maine CDC.

“Maine CDC continues to conduct case investigations and contact tracing for guests, staff, and people who potentially came in close contact with confirmed cases during and after the event. Anyone who attended an event at Big Moose Inn on August 7, 2020, and who has symptoms of COVID-19 should call their health care provider before seeking medical care,” the agency stated in a Monday news release.

According to the newspaper, it was not clear if the reception was held indoors or outdoors, but current state restrictions call for gatherings to be limited to 50 people inside and 100 people outside. Face coverings are also required to be worn in public settings when physical distancing is not possible.

Robert Peterson, CEO of Millinocket Regional Hospital, told the newspaper that none of the individuals associated with the reception who have tested positive so far required hospitalization. Everyone who attended the wedding who has not been tested is being asked to quarantine for 14 days, he added.

“As our situation continues to evolve, so will our response. We will be constantly monitoring the data and catering our response accordingly,” Peterson told the Kennebec Journal & Morning Sentinel.

Cox Media Group