MSDH: North Mississippi funeral leads to “cluster” of COVID-19 cases

The Mississippi State Department of Health has released information related to a “cluster” of COVID-19 cases following a recent North Mississippi funeral. 

According to the MSDH, approximately 100 people attended the May 17th funeral in the city of Baldwyn, including a contagious individual.

Now,  7 Mississippians and 2 out-of-state attendees have been diagnosed with COVID-19 and several other potential cases are under investigation.

In a news release, the MSDH stated that individuals who attended the graveside service on May 17 at 1 p.m. and the after-service gathering from 2-6:30 p.m. are advised to monitor for symptoms consistent with COVID-19 (fever, cough, shortness of breath.)

If you must attend a large gathering during this pandemic, the department is advising you to take the proper precautions. 

“Gatherings of individuals, including funerals, weddings or other events, pose a risk of spreading the virus if appropriate precautions are not in place. Cloth masks and social distancing of 6 feet or greater are recommended in public settings, especially in group settings, and gatherings should be limited to groups of 20 outdoors and groups of 10 indoors.”

Earlier this week, State Health Officer Dr. Thomas Dobbs made a similar plea and stated that “we don’t want a funeral to lead to more funerals.”

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