Cluster of coronavirus cases traced to birthday party

PASADENA, Calif. (KYMA, KECY) - A single coughing patient at a birthday party in Pasadena is pinpointed as the source for a cluster of coronavirus (COVID-19) cases in California.

The Pasadena Public Health Department on Saturday announced it recently identified multiple cases as attendees of a birthday party.

With Mother's Day here, the Pasadena Public Health Department (PPHD) is saying this is a reminder to residents that the best way to celebrate is by staying home and staying healthy.

Through contact tracing, the PPHD disease investigation team identified more than five laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 cases and many more ill individuals.

PPHD says the party was attended by a large number of extended family members and friends after the stay at home order was issued by Gov. Newsom.

They say the first patient identified with the disease was coughing at the party and wasn't wearing a face covering.

Guests were not wearing face coverings or practicing social distancing either, according to PPHD.

As a result, PPHD says COVID-19 spread among party attendees.

“Pasadena residents who stay home keep themselves and their loved ones protected from COVID-19,” said Dr. Ying-Ying Goh, director and health officer of PPHD.

“Although we are moving forward with small modifications to the Safer at Home Order, gatherings of people who do not live in the same household are still prohibited. The virus remains highly contagious. Social distancing, frequent hand washing, and wearing face coverings remain our best defenses against the further spread of COVID-19 in our community.”