From The Washington Post: 

The first confirmed case of coronavirus in the District is the rector of Christ Church Georgetown, church and city officials said Sunday.

The Rev. Timothy Cole, the church’s top-ranking clergy, tested positive on Saturday, a church official said. D.C. officials confirmed he was the same man in his 50s with no recent international travel whom they identified as the first presumptive case.

The historic Episcopal church canceled Sunday services — the first cancellation since a fire in the 19th century — and has been calling and emailing parishioners. Cole has been hospitalized since Thursday and is in stable condition, officials said.

Cole fell ill shortly after attending an episcopal conference in Louisville on Feb 22, church spokesman Rob Volmer said. Cole’s health improved before he attended church events last weekend, and deteriorated early this week before his Thursday hospitalization.

Volmer said Cole was present for four services last Sunday attended by 550 people. Cole provided Communion to parishioners during the 11:15 a.m. service, Volmer said, and washed his hands before handing out the bread.

Cole did not appear to show symptoms then, had been vigilant about using hand sanitizer available throughout the church and washing his hands, and had spent part of his services reminding parishioners about good hygiene practices, Volmer said. His wife and son are self-quarantined at their home.

Cole told parishioners there was “no need to panic” in an email Sunday.

“First, I want to assure you that I will be okay,” Cole wrote. “I am receiving excellent care and am in good spirits under the circumstances. I will remain quarantined for the next 14 days as will the rest of my family.”

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