Coronavirus: Ryde Sydney Church of Christ attendees test positive

The evangelist at the Ryde Church service has confirmed he tested positive to coronavirus as the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases rise to nine among the 300 attendees.

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The evangelist at a Ryde Church service has confirmed he tested positive to coronavirus as the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases rise to nine among the 300 attendees.

It comes after NSW Health released a statement on Friday (March 20) — 12 days after the Sydney Church of Christ service held at Ryde Civic Centre on March 8.

Evangelist William 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.

Evangelist William Thorne (pictured) told the congregation that he and his partner Chelsea were among the nine confirmed cases in a video on social media.

“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.

NSW Health asked all people who attended the service to self-monitor for symptoms including a sore throat, fever, coughing, fatigue and shortness of breath.

Initially, four people presented with symptoms but that was updated to seven on Saturday and nine on Sunday by NSW Health.

The church services have since moved to live streaming as of Sunday March 22.

People who attended a Sydney Church of Christ service at Ryde Civic Centre on March 8 have been asked to look out for coronavirus symptoms after nine people tested positive to COVID-19.

On Friday, Sydney Church of Christ 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.

In a statement, Ryde Council said NSW Health told them there was an "extremely low risk" of infection for all other events held at the hall after the service.

In a statement, Ryde Council said NSW Health told them there was an "extremely low risk" of infection for all other events held at the hall in Ryde Civic Centre after the service. Picture: Angelo Velardo

"The Ryde Civic Hall undergoes regular cleaning after each hire of the venue including disinfecting doors and handrails and will undergo a further deep clean, which will include stringent infection control procedures."

No other events were held at Ryde Civic Hall on March 8 when the church service took place.

If you have any symptoms and attended the service contact The National coronavirus Health Information Line on 1800 020 080.