What to know
- The Department of Health is investigating a coronavirus outbreak at CityReach Philly Church at 6814 Torresdale Avenue after at least nine members tested positive for COVID-19.
- The church stopped all personal services on August 13th.
- The health department interviewed six of the church members and is working to identify those who were in contact with them.
The city’s health department is investigating a coronavirus outbreak at a church in Philadelphia’s Tacony neighborhood.
At least nine members of CityReach Philly Church on 6814 Torresdale Avenue tested positive for COVID-19, the Department of Health announced Wednesday.
The health department is of the opinion that the number of infected people at the church is higher than the confirmed number.
The nine church members come from at least five different households. The first person showed symptoms on August 6, according to the Department of Health.
Personal services at the church have been suspended since August 13th. The health department interviewed six of the church members and is working to identify those who were in contact with them.
Philadelphia is currently undergoing a changed Green Phase, which means religious services are allowed, but attendance is limited to 25 people at most, with everyone required to wear masks while being at least six feet apart to stay. No choirs or group singing are allowed.
The health department advises everyone who attended CityReach Philly Church this month to quarantine themselves for 14 days and check for any symptoms.
A CityReach spokesman said the church followed all safety and cleaning guidelines when providing personal services, including sanitation stations, mandatory masks and social distances. The spokesperson also confirmed that they stopped all personal services on August 13 and moved to an exclusive online format.
“As we continue to oversee the well-being of our communities, we welcome your prayers for healing and recovery,” the spokesman wrote.
“We continue to place our faith in a mighty God who will endure this and every other pandemic.”
CLICK HERE for a list of test sites and here for the latest information on Philadelphia’s COVID-19 plan.
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