LONG BEACH ISLAND, N.J. (WCBS 880) — Jersey Shore officials are warning residents of a COVID-19 outbreak linked to teen nights at local clubs.
At least 20 cases have so far been tied to teen parties held in Beach Haven on July 11, July 13, July 18, July 25, and July 27.
Health officials are advising those who may have attended these parties to get tested for the coronavirus.
"We would advise testing if you have attended teen nights within the last 14 days and particularly if you are experiencing any Covid-19 symptoms, regardless of immunization status," the Long Beach Island Health Department said. "The recommended time to seek testing is 3-5 days after an exposure."
The state Health Department has been notified of the outbreak, but health officials said it will be challenging to identify the full scope due to under reporting.
As vaccination rates remain low among the youth, the health department said these sort of teen night events, which often draw large crowds in indoor settings, pose a significant risk of transmission.
"Unlike more structured and regulated organizations that host youth, teen nights often do not require health screening, immunization status, negative tests or have any social distance and masking," the LBI health department said.
Despite the risk, at least one bar told CBS2 that it still plans to host a teen night this weekend.
Fewer than 50% of those between the ages of 12 and 16 have had at least one vaccine dose in New Jersey.
