Brooks Church Conference Attendees to Watch for COVID Symptoms

The Maine CDC is advising anyone who attended a church fellowship conference in Brooks to watch for possible symptoms of COVID-19.

So far, the Maine CDC is reporting 42 cases of the virus that have been traced back to the gathering at the Brooks Pentecostal Church and its Lighthouse Christian Academy. The ages of those affected, so far, range from 2 to 80 years old, according to Dr. Nirav Shah of the Maine CDC. He said, during Tuesday's media conference, that some of the events at the gathering were held inside and that it's been reported not everyone was wearing a mask. The fellowship rally was held between October 2nd and 4th.

Dr. Shah says anyone who attended the conference should be watching for possible symptoms of the virus. In addition, anyone who's had close contact with someone who was at the gathering should also be on alert. Symptoms of COVID-19 can include a dry cough, fever, shortness of breath, fatigue, or body aches, among others. Anyone who starts showing these symptoms should get tested, stay home and isolate from others to limit the spread of the virus.

Governor Janet Mills said, during Tuesday's media briefing, that Mainers need to continue to be vigilant, and not give into 'pandemic fatigue.' She said it's important to continue wearing face coverings, practice social distancing, and washing hands often. If we relax our health standards, Mills says she fears our COVID-19 case numbers will spike, as they have in neighboring states.

A list of sites providing testing can be found on the Keep Maine Healthy website. For general information about COVID-19, call 211.