Coronavirus: 13 Ryde church attendees test positive to COVID-19
The number of confirmed COVID-19 cases at a Ryde church service has risen from four to 13 among the 300 attendees in just four days.
Northern District Times
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- Coronavirus: Nine Sydney church attendees test positive
- Seven Sydney church attendees test positive for coronavirus
The number of confirmed COVID-19 cases at a Sydney church service has risen from 4 to 13 among the 300 attendees in just four days.
NSW Health first released a statement on Friday (March 20) — 12 days after the Sydney Church of Christ service held at Ryde Civic Centre on March 8 — saying four attendees tested positive.
Identified close contacts of the confirmed cases are in self-isolation, according to a NSW Health released this afternoon.
The latest test results from NSW Health are as of 8pm Tuesday (March 24).
Sydney Church of Christ previously took to Facebook to inform the congregation to “stay safe and healthy”, refer to NSW Health and to reach out to Bible Talk Group Leaders for any concerns.
One of the 13 confirmed cases include evangelist William Thorne.
Thorne told the congregation in a social media video that he and his partner Chelsea were among the nine confirmed cases.
“We don’t want to panic or overreact but we do want to listen to the advice of the health department,” Mr Thorne said.
“Chelsea and I are among those confirmed cases and probably our boys as well but they haven’t been tested. But we’re doing well, we’re doing fine. Our symptoms are very mild.”
The evangelist also called for the community to use their time in self-isolation to read the bible, pray and stay connected.
“Many people choose to seek God in these challenging times of these lives,” Mr Thorne said.
Meanwhile, two children were diagnosed with coronavirus which is a first in the state.
One was aged 7 and the other was two-months-old. Both cases are not related and in isolation.
“The two month-old boy was already in home isolation as a close contact of an adult diagnosed with COVID-19 and the baby is presently displaying only mild symptoms,” according to a NSW Health statement.
“The seven year-old girl was also in home isolation as a known close contact of two adult cases. She did not attended school while symptomatic.”
As of 8pm last night, there are 1,029 confirmed coronavirus cases in NSW.
If you have any symptoms and attended the service contact The National coronavirus Health Information Line on 1800 020 080.