Maine CDC Offers Update on Millinocket Wedding COVID-19 Outbreak

The Maine CDC reports 24 people, who either attended a Millinocket wedding reception earlier this month, or have ties to those who did, have tested positive for COVID-19.

The wedding reception was held on August 7 at the Big Moose Inn in Millinocket, and reportedly had 65 people in attendance.

Officials say, so far, 18 people who attended the reception have tested positive, as well as six others who had close contact with attendees, and all of those confirmed cases are residents of Maine. The CDC is working to conduct contact tracing for the guests, staff, and anyone who potentially came into close contact with people who were at the reception, so those people can be tested.

On Tuesday, Dr. Nirav Shah said the investigation is ongoing, and investigators have not yet determined if the outbreak originated at the Big Moose Inn or at another site.

"It's another reminder that COVID exists everywhere in Maine and can spread very quickly," Shah said.

Maine CDC officials are advising anyone who attended an event at Big Moose Inn on August 7 and who has symptoms of COVID-19 to call their health care provider. COVID-19 symptoms include cough, fever, shortness of breath, fatigue, or body aches, among many others.

Anyone attending a social gathering should follow physical distancing guidelines, per the Maine CDC, including wearing cloth face coverings when not eating. Physical distancing is defined as at least six feet between individuals and six feet between household groups, as much as possible.

Jeanne Lambrew, the commissioner of the Department of Health and Human Services, said Tuesday the department is investigating whether the Big Moose Inn was in compliance with state regulations, which limits indoor gatherings to 50 people.