Waterdown-area church in outbreak warns parishioners of COVID spread following Sunday service

A Waterdown-area church has shut its doors after COVID-19 spread through its staff and parishioners.

Hamilton public health declared an outbreak at Community Church in Millgrove on March 15 after four staff members and five patrons tested positive.

Previously the church posted a notice to its website advising that members of its ministry team" and staff members began to experience symptoms of coronavirus on March 7 and over the next few days."

The church noted that symptoms did not appear until after the Sunday service that day.

At the time of the posting, the church said five staff and ministry team members had tested positive and others were waiting for results.

Community church warned anyone who was at the March 7 service to monitor for symptoms and contact public health if symptoms develop.

They wrote in the advisory that they decided to suspend in-person events at the 271 Concession 6 Rd. E., Flamborough church until March 28.

The church noted that all functions would move online.

In a Facebook post March 14, Community Church asked the community to please be in prayer for our church family."

In Hamilton, under the red-control zone of the Ontario Reopening Act, churches are allowed to host services with 30 per cent capacity indoors. That includes weddings and funerals. Social gatherings, such as receptions, are limited to 10 people inside.

Jeremy Kemeny is a Hamilton-based web editor at The Spectator. Reach him via email: jkemeny@thespec.com