Missouri man tests positive for coronavirus after helping promote party attended by 400

“We all feel bad for causing this little outbreak that has happened”
A file photo of people toasting their drinks. Around 400 people are said to have attended a party in Missouri during the lockdown
AFP via Getty Images

A man who helped promote a party that was attended by 400 people in Missouri has said testing positive for coronavirus was an "eye-opener" to the risks of mass gatherings during the pandemic.

At least five people have tested positive for Covid-19 after attending a party in Kansas City on July 3.

The Cass County Health Department announced on Friday that a cluster of positive coronavirus cases has been linked to the party.

Cole Wood, of Harrisonville, Missouri helped promote the party on social media and tested positive for the virus after attending the event.

He told OzarksFirst.com: "A lot of people showed up and we didn't really think twice about the whole virus, it won't happen to us, you know?

"I believe around at least 300, but could be closer to 400."

A few days after the party Mr Wood developed a fever and cough. He was forced to take time off from his job at a local QuickTrip to quarantine at himself at home for two weeks.

Mr Wood said he wanted to speak out about his involvement with the party to act as a warning to young people who are considering holding similar events.

He told the Kansas City Star that the event was an "eye-opener".

“We all feel bad for causing this little outbreak that has happened,” he said.

“We feel like we should have been more responsible. Told people to wear masks or something. Not invited everyone.”

Andrew Warlen, director of Cass County's health department, warned those who attended the party that they are at risk of infecting parents or grandparents.

He said: "For these kids, I have no doubt that most of them are going to have mild to no symptoms, but really the problem is I can't say the same for their parents or their grandparents or their teachers.

"I think the overall message is, even though things are reopening, we're not back to normal. Avoiding large gatherings is a really good idea."

The Cass County Health Department said it had been "challenging" to track down those who attended the event as there was no specified guest list.

The health authority urged those who attended the party to quarantine themselves for 14 days and to monitor any possible symptoms.

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