Donald Trump’s campaign rally in Tulsa "likely contributed" to a surge in new coronavirus cases in the city, a health official said.
The rally in late June in Oklahoma drew thousands of people, while largely peaceful protests also took place outside the 19,000-seat capacity arena.
County Health Department Director Dr Bruce Dart said the large gatherings “more than likely” contributed to the spike in cases in the area.
“In the past few days, we’ve seen almost 500 new cases, and we had several large events just over two weeks ago, so I guess we just connect the dots,” Dr Dart told the Associated Press.
A reporter who attended the rally is among those who have tested positive for the virus, along with six of the president's campaign staffers.
Statewide, Oklahoma health officials reported 673 new cases on Wednesday - the state’s second-highest daily total since the start of the pandemic.
A surge in cases in the United States over the last week has put Mr Trump's handling of the crisis under the microscope and led several governors to halt plans to reopen their states after strict lockdowns.
The number of infections nationwide hit three million, while the death toll reached 130,000.
Three of the top US medical organisations issued an open letter urging Americans to wear masks, social distance and wash hands often to help stop "the worst public health crisis in generations".
But White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany claimed the country had been a "leader" in the fight against the virus.
"I think the world is looking at us as a leader in Covid-19," she said during a press briefing earlier this week.
