53 people who tested positive for COVID-19 linked to Maine wedding reception

Aysha Qamar
and
Daily Kos
23 August 2020

Despite pleas from public health officials to not gather and practice social distancing, some people are continuing to host parties and large events. Coronavirus cases continue to climb across the country as a result, and in Maine, cases linked to one wedding that violated attendance limits are increasing significantly. According to the Associated Press, as of Saturday 53 cases of COVID-19 have been traced back to the Aug.7 reception, including one resulting in death. Approximately 65 people attended the Millinocket wedding reception despite state limitations of 50 people maximum per indoor gathering.

According to health officials, the woman who died Friday from COVID-19 did not attend the wedding but contracted the virus from an attendee, thePortland Press Herald reported. Due to the outbreak not only was the local hospital closed to visitors but the town hall and schools as well. Between Friday to Saturday, 32 new cases were announced by the Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention. The number is expected to climb.

Millinocket Regional Hospital reported that it tested 366 people who either attended the reception or came in contact with those who did. Of the 53 cases linked to the reception thus far, 13 were secondary and 10 were tertiary, Maine CDC spokesman Robert Long said Saturday. Officials said the outbreak affected individuals ranging from 4 to 98-years-old. About 83% of those tested reported experiencing symptoms of COVID-19.

“Social gatherings such as weddings and receptions pose an elevated risk for virus transmission,” the Maine CDC said in a statement. “The possibility of COVID-19 transmission increases as the number of attendees increases, even when some attendees are indoors and others are outdoors. This is because outdoor attendees may reasonably be expected to come indoors and interact with others, increasing the possibility of COVID-19 transmission.”

“Indoor gatherings pose extra risk compared to outdoor gatherings, given the challenges of ensuring adequate physical distancing and ventilation,” the statement continued.

State health officials said investigations into the wedding continue, including whether or not attendees wore masks and whether the venue instructed them to do so. According to the Portland Press Herald, Maine’s coronavirus emergency order requires establishments to enforce wearing a mask in both indoor and public spaces. The wedding was hosted by the Big Moose Inn. While it was cited for an “imminent health hazard,” a charge that carries no fine, if found to have violated health rules again harsher penalties would take place.

As of this report, at least 4,317 cases of COVID-19 and 130 deaths from coronavirus have been reported in Maine, according to The New York Times database. Compared to their average from two weeks ago, the state has seen an increase in its average of cases per day by 94%.