At least 10 people test positive for coronavirus after funeral in NC

Attendees of a Pittsboro memorial service and funeral may have been exposed to the coronavirus, officials said, after 10 people from the gatherings tested positive for the disease.

The Chatham County Public Health Department said in a Tuesday press release that it had received notice of multiple positive tests since the July 25 memorial service at Bonlee Recreational Park and the July 27 funeral at Emmaus Baptist Church. It’s unclear how many people were at each event.

Zachary Horner, a spokesman for the county health department, told The News & Observer in a phone call Tuesday that about 10 people between the two events have tested positive. County health officials believe those people contracted the virus before attending the memorial and funeral, he added.

Horner said there were about 250 people at the funeral and about 70-100 at the memorial service.

According to the release, the health department has been in contact with church leaders, who said attendees were seated six feet apart and were required to wear face coverings. Those without masks were provided with one, according to the release. It’s unclear whether attendees wore the masks at the memorial service or funeral.

A pastor at Emmaus Baptist Church declined to talk to the N&O or give his name when reached by phone, instead referring to the health department statement.

COVID-19 has continued to spread throughout the state. As of Monday afternoon, the state Department of Health and Human Services reported 126,532 cases and 1,982 deaths in North Carolina since the pandemic reached the state in early March.

The Chatham County Public Health Department said those who attended the events should monitor for symptoms of COVID-19 and practice social distancing. Those who were in close contact with individuals who tested positive, “quarantine at home and stay away from others for at least 14 days since you were last in contact with them.”

This story was originally published August 4, 2020 at 2:24 PM.