7 COVID-19 cases believed to be linked to church conference in Kansas City, Kansas
At least seven cases of COVID-19 may be associated with a conference that took place earlier this month at a Kansas City, Kansas, church, according to the state department of heath.
The Kansas Department of Health and Environment issued a statement Tuesday saying people who attended Kansas East Jurisdiction’s Ministers and Workers Conference from March 16-22 at the Miracle Temple Church of God in Christ at 2106 Quindaro Blvd. may have been exposed to the novel coronavirus that causes COVID-19.
“This event has been identified as a place of exposure for multiple people in Kansas who have since become ill and tested positive for COVID-19,” the agency said in a statement.
Kristi Zears, a spokeswoman for the state health department, said by email that investigations are still underway, but as of Tuesday, KDHE believed seven cases were associated to the event.
Kansas East Jurisdiction, the organizers of the March conference, learned after it ended that at least two of the attendees had tested positive for COVID-19, it said in a statement after the state’s announcement Tuesday.
It said it then notified other people who attended.
“Out of an abundance of caution, we immediately communicated the news with attending members, and all were urged to exercise the appropriate levels of self-quarantine and to immediately contact their physician and comply with CDC protocols, if they experience any symptoms,” the church’s statement said Tuesday. “Throughout the meeting we ensured that we adhered to all county and state government regulations.
During these uncertain times, our number one priority continues to be the safety and health of the Kansas East membership. However, as a body of Christian believers, we also continue to pray for our families, friends and country.”
Symptoms for COVID-19 appear two to 14 days after exposure and usually include fever, cough and shortness of breath. Other symptoms that may develop include malaise, sore throat and diarrhea, state and local health officials stated.
Anyone who attended the conference and has developed symptoms consistent with COVID-19 is asked to stay home and report their symptoms by calling their health care provider or local health department.
The Unified Government Public Health Department also said affected individuals may report their symptoms by filling out its online form or by calling the Sharon Lee Family Health Care COVID-19 hotline at 913-396-7070.
According to data provided by the Unified Government of Wyandotte County and Kansas City, Kansas, 89 cases have been confirmed in the county, and four people have died.
Statewide, at least 428 cases of COVID-19 have been identified, and nine people have died from the disease.
This story was originally published March 31, 2020 at 5:28 PM.
