In a new weekly report, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services has outlined the number of COVID-19 cases and deaths associated with clusters in workplaces, businesses, schools, housing facilities and community events.
As COVID-19 metrics continue to trend in the wrong direction, NCDHHS officials have repeatedly said smaller gatherings are driving the current spike in infection. According to the report, clusters from social gatherings -- including family gatherings, parties, weddings and funerals -- have increased over the past two weeks.
>> Click here for guidance for private social gatherings
According to the report, 231 cases and two deaths have been attributed to 23 clusters related to social gatherings statewide, and 26 cases were related to one community event.
“I know people want and need to come together, particularly as we head into the holiday season. At the same time, no one wants to spread COVID-19 to their family and friends,” said NCDHHS Secretary Mandy K. Cohen, M.D. “The best defense is to wear a mask every time you are with someone you don’t live with; maintain social distancing, limit any gathering to a small number of people and host it outside; and wash your hands frequently.”
In September, the number of cases associated with clusters at religious gatherings increased. At least 1,040 cases and 13 deaths have been linked to 76 clusters at religious gatherings.
[ READ MORE: At least 50 COVID-19 cases tied to weeklong activities at Charlotte church event ]
The NCDHHS has a toolkit for faith leaders that includes actions faith leaders can take to help slow the spread of COVID-19 (also available in Spanish).
Clusters have also been reported at restaurants, retail locations, personal care salons, and several workplaces. Though 3,841 COVID-19 cases and 19 deaths were associated with meat and poultry processing plants, health officials said clusters in these facilities have been decreasing since May.
The NCDHHS clarified in the report that a cluster is defined as five or more cases related to a particular event or location. The clusters included in the report were submitted by local health departments, and because many represent industries that do not have to announce clusters to NCDHHS, many were voluntarily reported.
Therefore, health officials said the cluster list is an underrepresentation of the full scope of clusters and associated cases statewide.
>> Click here to see the full list.
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