PARKERSBURG — Five people at a church in Wood County have tested positive for COVID-19, according to the Mid-Ohio Valley Health Department.
West Virginia Gov. Jim Justice said Wednesday the county was one of three in the state with an active church outbreak. A state Department of Health and Human Resources spokeswoman said the outbreak was reported on Tuesday.
On Friday, Mid-Ohio Valley Health Department Threat Preparedness Coordinator Carrie Brainard said members of the congregation “have been notified and been advised to monitor for symptoms.
“Those that were in close contact with the individuals have been identified and notified to quarantine for 14 days,” she said. “If they want to be tested, they have been told to wait three to five days from exposure to be tested.”
A number of churches have resumed in-person services over the last few months, although many continue to offer online options as well.
“We are asking all individuals attending church services to listen to the governor’s protocol — only occupy every other pew, wear a mask while in the building, have minimal contact with others and wash or sanitize hands frequently,” Brainard said.
According to the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources’ daily update on Friday, there have been 269 cases of COVID-19 reported in Wood County.
