CRETE, NE — Health officials are blaming two golf tournaments for spreading the coronavirus to at least nine southeast Nebraska residents.

Public Health Solutions District Health Department says the tournaments were held outside its coverage area of Gage, Saline, Jefferson, Fillmore and Thayer counties, but area residents played in the tournaments and came home with the virus.

Six Thayer County residents and one Jefferson County resident have tested positive after playing in a golf event on July 3 at Crooked Creek Country Club in Clay Center. Health officials say two other Thayer County residents tested positive after playing in a tournament in York.

“The risk of bringing the virus back to members of your household, workplace, or community are greatly increased when face coverings are not used and social distancing is not observed while participating in events or gatherings”, PHS Health Director Kim Showalter said. “As we see positive cases increasing, it is more important than ever to take the necessary precautions when going out in public… Wearing a face covering, practicing social distancing, avoiding large gatherings, and vigilant hand hygiene is our best defense in slowing the spread of this virus”.

Public Health Solutions says health officials are involved in over 100 contact investigations related to the two golf events.  The department says more positive cases are expected in the coming days.