Maine

1 Death Linked to COVID Outbreak at Maine Wedding Reception

The Big Moose Inn in Millinocket was also issued an "imminent health hazard citation" for violating capacity limits

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One of the people who tested positive for the novel coronavirus as part of an outbreak connected a wedding reception earlier this month in Millinocket, Maine, has died.

A letter from the CEO of Millinocket Regional Hospital posted on Friday that the patient had passed away earlier in the day.

The hospital has been handling coronavirus patients connected to the Aug. 7 wedding and reception which took place at the Big Moose Inn.

There are 32 cases of the virus associated with the wedding, Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention director Nirav Shah said.

"One guest reported developing symptoms the day after the wedding on Saturday, August 8," Shah said.

He added that 65 people attended the event, which is a violation of state rules capping gatherings at 50.

After discovering the violations, the Maine CDC issued an "imminent health hazard citation" to the inn.

The citation does not carry an immediate fine, but a fine could result if the inn does not comply with the investigation. If the inn violates restrictions in the future, it could face other repercussions, Shah said.

"They did intend, agree and signal they would comply with these issues and the issues that were cited going forward," Shah said. "If there is further evidence of non-compliance, that's when financial penalties come in."

Millinocket Regional Hospital and Maine CDC said they're still working to determine the full extent of the outbreak.

The hospital also said it's going to continue policies to contain COVID-19 spread including not allowing visitation and only performing essential medical services until Aug. 30.

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