The deadly consequences of not heeding medical warnings and professional advice regarding social distancing in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic were unveiled for all to see on Wednesday after it was reported that a Hopkins County church ignored social distancing admonitions.
On March 15, according to the Hopkins County Health Department, several days after Gov. Andy Beshear and countless medical and infectious disease experts urged social distancing while advising churches not to hold in-person services, an unidentified Dawson Springs church held a revival service, with a guest preacher from Texas.
After the revival, many in the congregation began feeling ill. In response to the illnesses, church officials said in a social media post that several members of the church had the flu and failed to encourage churchgoers to self-quarantine.
Now, 28 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Hopkins County are epidemiologically connected to the church, plus coronavirus cases at a nursing home, a healthcare facility, an ambulance service, and cases in three other counties: Warren, Muhlenberg and Clark.
Sadly, infuriatingly and possibly criminally, two (preventable) deaths are also tied to the church’s revival service.
Over 100 people have been placed in quarantine as a result of the church service. Hopkins County Health Department Director Denise Beach said “several” Hopkins County Covid-19 patients are hospitalized and two are in ICU.
Beach added that “many more” people are showing symptoms and she’s afraid this is the “tip of the iceberg.”
“Folks, it’s a test of our humanity,” Beshear said Wednesday at his daily briefing when talking about the church-related COVID-19 cases. “We have to do better.”
It’s unclear at this point if the church’s pastor will face charges. Two preachers, one in Tampa, Florida, and one near Baton Rouge, Louisiana, were recently arrested for holding in-person church services with hundreds of attendees, violating social distancing mandates.
By Ken Howlett, News Director
Contact Ken at ken@k105.com
