A Capitol Hill Pastor has tested positive for COVID-19, and health officials are asking parishoners and staff who were in contact to quarantine for 14 days, reports the Post.
Monsignor Charles Pope of Holy Comforter Saint Cyprian Catholic Church (1357 East Capitol St. SE) tested positive for the virus July 27. A letter from the rectory posted to the church website said that the pastor and rectors were self-isolating, and that the church will be deep-cleaned this week as a precaution. The rectory office is closed until further notice.
A letter signed by DC Health Director LaQuandra Nesbitt and addressed to the church community July 31 notes that contact tracing began July 29. “DC Health is continuing to work with church leadership to ensure that the guidance and best practices are followed to minimize the risk of COVID-19 among attendees,” it reads.
Parishioners who took communion at the church during the services listed below have been identified as being exposed to SARS-CoV-2 and should quarantine for 14 days from the last date of potential exposure:
- Saturday, July 25 at 4:30 p.m.
- Sunday, July 26 at 8:00 am, 11:00 a.m., and 7:00 p.m.
- Monday, July 27 at morning mass
“If you choose to be tested for COVID-19 during your quarantine, please note that even if you receive a negative test result, you should continue to quarantine the for the remainder of the 14-day quarantine period, as you may become sick with the illness at any point during the quarantine,” the letter advises.
Read the letter from Holy Comforter here, and the DC Health letter to parishioners here. Learn more about District efforts to fight COVID-19 by visiting coronavirus.dc.gov
