A church in Grand Ledge has been closed for more than two weeks due to an outbreak of COVID-19. The Barry-Eaton District Health Department reports at least 58 confirmed cases of COVID-19 among members of Liberty Church in Grand Ledge. Five people have been hospitalized, and four others are getting inpatient care. None are in intensive care.
Church spokesperson Miranda Alpers says they found out on October 14th that some members weren’t feeling well. They immediately shut down and went to virtual services. The first positive test result came in the next day, and people who had attended services the Sunday before were notified. “Some chose to get tested, quite a few got tested," says Alpers. "Some chose not to, and they quarantined for two weeks.”
Alpers says the church has been following safety protocols. Masks have been encouraged, but not required.
There’s no word on when the church might reopen.
The health department says some people associated with the church have been reluctant to talk with them. They’re encouraging candid responses to help curb transmissions.
