Cluster of COVID-19 infections believed to be linked with Myrtle Beach travel, West Virginia health officials warn

PRESTON COUNTY, W.Va. — Planning travel to the Myrtle Beach area anytime soon?

Officials with the Preston County Health Department in Northern West Virginia have issued multiple notices this week, saying new COVID-19 infections in their area appear to be connected to recent Myrtle Beach travel.

They first noted three cases connected to this situation earlier in the week before announcing five more on Wednesday.

"This outbreak has the potential for a huge domino effect in our area," the Preston County Health Department posted on Facebook. "We must all make smart decisions both in planning our travel and planning our return home."

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They went on to say vacations to crowded areas -- like beaches -- are "very risky" right now due to coronavirus concerns. As a result, health officials are asking all Preston County residents who have traveled to any crowded destination to self-quarantine upon return.

Contact tracing is now underway.

Preston County is located along the Southwest border of Pennsylvania.

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