Coronavirus cluster traced to Mississippi funeral

The state Department of Health is again advising residents to maintain social distancing guidelines after a cluster of infections has been tied back to a funeral service. 

The department confirmed on Thursday at least nine cases have been traced back to a funeral and after service gathering in northeast Mississippi on May 17. 

 At least seven of the cases stem back to Mississippians, while two cases involve out-of-state residents who attended the funeral. Several other potential cases are under investigation, the department said. 

The gathering was held in the city of Baldwyn, located in Lee and Prentiss counties about 20 miles north of Tupelo. The service was attended by about 100 people, the department said in a news release.

Individuals who attended the graveside service at 1 p.m. on May 17 and the after-service gathering from 2 to 6:30 p.m. are advised to monitor for symptoms consistent with COVID-19. Symptoms includes fever, cough and shortness of breath.

If symptoms develop, they should immediately isolate themselves and contact their healthcare provider, the Health Department said. 

"Gatherings of individuals, including funerals, weddings or other events, pose a risk of spreading the virus if appropriate precautions are not in place. Cloth masks and social distancing of 6 feet or greater are recommended in public settings, especially in group settings, and gatherings should be limited to groups of 20 outdoors and groups of 10 indoors."

Contact Justin Vicory at 769-572-1418 or jvicory@gannett.com. Follow @justinvicory on Twitter.