COVID-19 cases associated with Catoosa County church

COVID-19 cases associated with Catoosa County church

Covid-19 is making churches look at how to hold services in the future.

That's as there's ongoing concerns on large gatherings in the spread of covid- 19.

That's tonight's top local story.

At catoosa baptist tabernacle, the decision has been made to close in-person services.

A northwest georgia health district spokesperson says they're investigating three covid-19 cases associated with the church.

A press release by the church says they started offering in-person services a few weeks ago when the number of cases were low, but only a fourth of the congregation attended while others watched online.

Nats it's not the first time the virus has impacted a church in northwest georgia.

One in cartersville had to shut down a while back after multiple covid cases were traced back to the church.

Georgia baptist mission board public affairs representative mike griffin: "now that we're in phase one of reentry here in the state of georgia over the last couple of weeks, pastors are giving serious consideration about coming back together."

The georgia baptist mission board is doing what they can to help churches during this time.

They're offering resources online including webinars specifically for churches.

Georgia baptist mission board public affairs representative mike griffin: "just practical suggestions, i mean, how do you get people from the parking lot to the church.

How do you set up the seating.

What should you do and not do and how quick should the service be."

As far as reopening, griffin says they're telling churches to start with prayer and determine the mindset of the congregation, the health status of the community and go from there.

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