New Whatcom COVID-19 outbreaks linked to recreational social gatherings in Phase 1
A series of outbreaks of COVID-19 related to “large private and recreational social gatherings held in Whatcom County in late May” is being investigated by the Whatcom County Health Department, according to a news release Friday evening, June 12.
An outbreak is two or more cases of COVID-19 among individuals who were exposed to the virus from the same source, such as at a workplace or informal gathering, according to the news release. The health department did not detail how many outbreaks it is tracking or where they occurred.
Washington state reports 31 residents have tested positive for COVID-19 since the county entered Phase 2 of the state’s Safe Start plan on June 5. The gatherings under investigation took place during Phase 1, the news release said.
“Attendees of these gatherings in public places and parties hosted at private residences have since been diagnosed with COVID-19. Preliminary investigations have determined close contacts of party-goers have also become infected with the illness,” the news release said.
Whatcom Health notified the state Department of Health of the outbreaks, as required. The county health department said it is not yet known if the outbreaks will hurt the county’s ability to remain in Phase 2.
“These events emphasize the increased risk of infection presented by large gatherings, regardless of location,” the release said. “Some individuals with COVID-19 will not have symptoms, not know they are infected, and thus can transmit the virus to others without knowing.”
People who attended large gatherings where they are unable to maintain social distancing of 6 feet around people without masks should monitor themselves for symptoms for 14 days, the county release said.
They should minimize contact with others and consider being tested a week after exposure. “If they develop even minor symptoms of COVID-19, they should isolate from others and get tested,” the release said.
Phase 2 guidelines limit gatherings to 5 people or fewer from outside of your household per week, wearing masks in public and maintaining social distances.
“Individuals who contracted the virus while in attendance at the parties then carry the virus with them to their place of residence, work, or other gatherings, furthering the spread of COVID-19 in the community,” the release said.
