Coronavirus Update: DC Churchgoers Exposed To Infected Rector, Urged To Self-Quarantine

Members of a historic church in Washington, D.C., have potentially been exposed to coronavirus. According to health officials, a rector at Christ Church Georgetown has tested positive for the virus. Anyone who attended the church on Feb. 24 or Feb. 28-March 3 are being urged to take caution.

Mayor Muriel Bowser made the announcement Monday at a press conference, along with numerous city health officials. Bowser urged churchgoers to self-quarantine themselves for 14 days from the last date the visited the church, even if they do not feel sick. The church itself has suspended all activities until further notice.

“This is a fluid situation,” Bowser said at the briefing. “We continue to ask residents to stay home if they’re sick, and to call a health care provider if they’re sick with symptoms including fever, cough or shortness of breath.”

Bowser also said that she is still weighing whether or not to declare a state of emergency. Two cases have so far been confirmed in D.C. In addition to the rector, the other case is reported to have been an international traveler.

The infected rector had attended a conference in Louisville, returning to the church on Feb. 22. He later felt sick but said that he was feeling well enough to attend a retreat on Feb. 29. After checking in to a hospital, the rector tested positive for Covid-19 on Saturday and is now under quarantine along with his family. Officials are now trying to trace his path in order to determine how many people he may have infected.