Alliance for Pandemic Preparedness

November 13, 2020

COVID-19 Outbreak in an Amish Community — Ohio, May 2020

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  • Social gatherings likely contributed to the rapid transmission of SARS-CoV-2 throughout an Amish community in rural Ohio. Access to testing was increased after an initial cluster of seven SARS-CoV-2 cases was identified in May, resulting in 77% positivity among the 30 additional residents tested by RT-PCR. Transmission was associated with multiple social gatherings, including church services, a wedding, and a funeral. In key informant interviews, community members cited social and cultural concerns about following mitigation strategies such as social distancing and mask wearing.

Ali et al. (Nov 13, 2020). COVID-19 Outbreak in an Amish Community — Ohio, May 2020. MMWR. https://doi.org/10.15585/mmwr.mm6945a2