RI Bachelorette Party Connected To Coronavirus Cluster In MA

PROVIDENCE, RI — A bachelorette party this summer led to a cluster of coronavirus cases, the Rhode Island Department of Health confirmed Wednesday.

Joseph Wendelken, a spokesperson for the department, said approximately 20 people were at the party, which was held in Rhode Island in late July. Most of the attendees were from Massachusetts; two were identified as Rhode Island residents.

"The Massachusetts Department of Public Health did the contact tracing around the many people from Massachusetts who got sick," Wendelken explained, saying the two departments coordinate contact tracing for cross-border cases such as this. "Two Rhode Island residents tested positive. We did the contact tracing around these two individuals."

Social gatherings have been an ongoing issue throughout the summer and have repeatedly been connected to clusters of coronavirus cases, Dr. Nicole Alexander-Scott, the Department of Health director, has said throughout the summer.

"This is not a virus that respects boundaries between communities," Alexander-Scott said previously. "We need to make sure we are all in this together. Everyone's actions matter."

Read more: 'Not Where We Need To Be'| Social Gatherings Still A Problem

At these informal gatherings, attendees very rarely socially distance or wear masks, which are required at more regulated events such as dining out at a restaurant or attending a religious service. This proximity makes transmission, especially between younger people or those who have COVID-19 but are asymptomatic, much more likely.

"If you are going to be with other people, especially people who don't live in your household, it is imperative to wear a mask and practice social distancing," Alexander-Scott continued.

Because of the uptick in cases connected to social events, Gov. Gina Raimondo announced in late July that the limit on social gatherings was lowered from 25 people to just 15.

"If you're doing this, I need you to knock it off because people are getting sick, people are dying, and it's not necessary," Raimondo said July 29. "Your right to have a party should not infringe on their right to live."