COVID-19 cluster linked to social meet-ups a 'cautionary tale,' says Dr. Wang

Regional public health decided to highlight a cluster of COVID-19 cases linked to social gatherings this month as a "cautionary tale" about how easily the virus can spread among friends and family, Dr. Hsiu-Li Wang said Friday.

More than two dozen cases and at least one variant of concern have been linked to gatherings held at three homes during the first weekend in March. Guests spent long periods of time indoors and didn't wear masks or keep their distance, according to public health.

While the cases are troubling, Wang said the way in which they were transmitted is all too common.

"It's really a cautionary tale of what can happen, really to make it clear for people who may be wondering or thinking, 'Is it OK to gather with family and friends?'" Wang said.

"It's not OK yet."

A recent outbreak of 21 cases, linked to a wedding at a place of worship provides another example. Although that gathering may have followed provincial guidelines, Wang said steering clear of gatherings altogether is still the best course of action.

Masks, distancing still apply

"If you do attend a gathering that's permitted, always keep up with your measures," said Wang, who said the wedding involved more than 100 people.

"It could be that in individual sporadic moments there are small groups of people at a larger event that are not masking and not staying apart from other people — and that's how it spreads."

With the vaccine rollout underway, Wang said the region is getting closer to a time when it will be safe to socialize and have friends and family over. Until then, though, she urges people to take the same precautions health officials have noted since the outset of the pandemic:

• Wash your hands.
• Wear a mask.
• Keep your distance.
• Limit unnecessary contact with those outside your household.