Branch Covidian Church Linked To 200+ New Cases

The Associated Press reports:

A church in rural northeastern Oregon is now the epicenter of the state’s largest coronavirus outbreak, as 236 people tested positive for the disease, authorities said today. The largest outbreak, which was first made public Monday, is associated with Lighthouse Pentecostal Church in Union County.

The Observer newspaper of La Grande reported that the church held services in April and May even though Oregon COVID-19 restrictions limited gatherings. Also, The Observer reported the facility recently held a wedding and a graduation ceremony, each with more than 100 people.

The health authority and county officials teamed up with the church over the weekend to hold a clinic where 356 people were tested for the virus — 66% tested positive for coronavirus, officials reported.

#virus outbreak in #Oregon – 236 cases associated with the Lighthouse United Pentecostal Church in Island City – church has held at least two services in the past two months with more than 100 people #church #pandemic https://t.co/tI9FRJOOph

— AI6YR (@ai6yrham) June 18, 2020