Over two dozen Maine residents have tested positive for COVID-19 after attending a wedding reception on Aug 7, in Millinocket. The outbreak is the state’s first linked to a social gathering, officials said.
Local Millinocket Regional Hospital confirmed to news outlets that there were at least 28 positive cases linked to the gathering and that numbers are predicted to rise as testing continues.
Several of the individuals who tested positive for the deadly virus stated that around 65 people attended the indoor event at the Big Moose Inn, said Maine CDC spokesman Robert Long.
“The governor’s executive orders put in place during the global pandemic limit indoor gatherings to 50 people if there is enough room while allowing 100 people at outdoor events,” CBS News reports. Attendees should also follow physical distancing guidelines and wear masks when they’re not eating.
Following the reception, the Maine CDC spoke with Big Moose Inn regarding the event and their adherence to the state requirements.
The city’s town manager John Davis stated on Monday that he didn’t have all the necessary information regarding the outbreak but believed that there was enough concern to close town hall and local schools as a precautionary measure.
“We didn’t want to take any chances,” he said.
It is uncertain if the owner of the Big Moose Inn could be penalized if it’s confirmed there were too many guests at the reception. If so, the governor’s executive orders allow for a fine of up to $10,000, the governor’s spokeswoman said.
In Maine, almost 4,200 people have contracted the virus, including 29 additional cases reported on Monday. The number of deaths remained unchanged at 127 on Monday, the Maine CDC said.
