AUGUSTA — The Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Maine CDC) formally confirmed Monday, Oct. 19 a COVID-19 outbreak investigation associated with the Brooks Pentecostal Church in the Waldo County town of Brooks.

Over the weekend, 17 cases had been linked to the outbreak, a news release stated.

Maine CDC has started contact tracing. Close contacts can help limit potential spread of the virus that causes COVID-19 by answering calls, providing complete information, and quarantining when advised to do so.

Individuals who spent any time at the church or its affiliated school since October 2 should monitor for symptoms of COVID-19, and if they experience symptoms, stay home and contact a medical provider to discuss testing and treatment.

Additionally, anyone who attended a fellowship rally that the congregation hosted between October 2 and October 4 could have been exposed to the virus and should take these precautions.