Covid-19 Outbreak at Calvary Baptist Church

Press release from Maine.gov:

The Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Maine CDC) is investigating an outbreak of COVID-19 among individuals affiliated with the Calvary Baptist Church in Sanford.

At present, there are at least five confirmed cases of COVID-19 involving people affiliated with the church. An epidemiological investigation is underway, including determining the extent of links to other outbreaks in York and Penobscot counties.

Maine CDC is notifying close contacts of confirmed cases. Anyone who attended services at Calvary Baptist Church from August 9 through August 23 or attended the church’s Vacation Bible School from August 10 through August 14 was potentially exposed. Ongoing exposures are possible so individuals affiliated with Calvary Baptist Church should monitor for signs and symptoms of disease. Those who believe they may have been exposed to the virus and/or have symptoms of COVID-19 should call their health care provider to determine whether they should be tested.

In addition, individuals who believe they may have COVID-19 or could have been exposed to the virus, with or without symptoms, may get a test under the Department of Health and Human Services Standing Order. (Editor’s note: Covid-19 tests are available at Nasson Healthcare in Springvale and at Southern Maine Health Care on June St. Call first to make an appointment.)

COVID-19 symptoms include cough, fever, shortness of breath, fatigue, or body aches, among many others. A comprehensive list of symptoms can be found here.

Individuals who experience any symptoms of COVID-19 or who otherwise do not feel well should not go to work or attend gatherings of any size.

Maine people can protect their health and prevent the spread of COVID-19 by practicing hand hygiene, physical distancing, and wearing a face covering in public places, including religious gatherings and study groups, especially when physical distancing is difficult to maintain.

For general information about COVID-19 in Maine, contact 211 Maine by calling 211, emailinginfo@211maine.org, or texting your ZIP code to 898-211. For questions specific to cases or potential cases, individuals may also call Maine CDC at 1-800-821-5821.