Last week, I posted the news that Msgr. Charles Pope had tested positive for COVID-19 and was under quarantine.
His parish just posted an advisory from the D.C. Department of Health which states, among other things:
On July 28, 2020, Holy Comforter-Saint Cyprian notified the parishioners that a priest was confirmed to have COVID-19.
On July 29, 2020, the DC Contact Trace Force and DC Health Epidemiologists began their outreach to collect additional information.
Based on the information we have gathered, DC Health would like to share some important messages as additional individuals have been identified as having been exposed to the virus that causes COVID-19 (SARS-CoV2) and will need to follow recommendations for quarantine.
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.
These exposures occurred on:
- Saturday, July 25 at 4:30 pm
- Sunday, July 26 at 8:00 am, 11:00 am, and 7:00 pm
- Monday, July 27 at morning mass
Persons who participated in communion at these services should take the following precautions:
Separate yourself from other people (self-quarantine) as much as possible at your home for 14 days from the last time you took communion at one of these events.
Avoid leaving the house except for essential medical care. Do not leave home to go to work or school.
Do not take public transportation (e.g., Metro buses or trains) and do not use taxis or rideshare services.
Prohibit visitors who do not have an essential need to be in the home. For more information, please refer to the following guidance: Guidance for contacts of person confirmed with COVID-19.
If you have additional questions about your health, please contact your healthcare provider. If you have a medical emergency, please call 911. Be sure to let them know about your exposure to a confirmed COVID-19 case.
Msgr. Pope also posted this video for his parishioners, with more details and an update:
Please continue to keep Msgr. Pope and his parishioners in your prayers.