This is why...

Two symptomatic people attended gatherings in a small Arkansas church in early March. Of the 92 church members who attended the gatherings, 35 were later confirmed to have COVID-19, which led to three deaths. Through contact tracing, an additional 26 confirmed cases were identified in the community with an additional death. 

This outbreak highlights the potential for widespread transmission of COVID-19 during in-person, faith-based events. Follow CDC guidelines and consult with local public health officials for modifying faith-based practices during the COVID-19 pandemic and for considering when and how to resume in-person group gatherings.

Learn more from CDC’s MMWR: bit.ly/MMWR051920.