The outbreak at Mapleview Community Church in south-end Barrie has risen to 21 confirmed cases and the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit says it's watching closely before giving the go-ahead for in-person services to resume.
In a media briefing on Wednesday afternoon, local medical officer of health Dr. Charles Gardner said there were 14 confirmed cases at the church linked to the outbreak. However, after today's call, a health unit official told BarrieToday that there are now 21 cases, with five of those being from outside the health unit's jurisdiction and not included in Simcoe-Muskoka's daily numbers.
The outbreak was declared Thursday, Nov. 4. On Monday, Nov. 8, the health unit announced 16 positive cases were associated with it.
The church was forced to move to online services to curb the outbreak, starting with this past Sunday’s service, which Mapleview Community Church had planned on doing in person in their field. The health unit advised them not to proceed.
In an email to church members on Wednesday, Mapleview Community Church pastor Jay Davis asked people to “join us online for one more Sunday,” adding he expected a return to in-person services by Sunday, Nov. 21.
On today's media briefing, Gardner said when the church can return to in-person events is up to the health unit.
“Given that we declared an outbreak, ultimately it would be our decision what protective measures need to be in place for the management of that outbreak,” the doctor said. “The dates of such would ultimately depend on what happens with the outbreak, how well it comes under control and how quickly.”
The health unit website says that, under the current Step 3 of the province’s Road To Reopen plan, “masks or face coverings must be worn at all times inside faith-based settings unless it is reasonably required to temporarily remove the mask/face covering for services provided.”
In videos posted to the local church’s YouTube page, congregation members can be seen not wearing masks while singing.
A Sept. 26 video clip from a Mapleview Community Church service shows Davis telling the parishioners as they leave to "don your mask if you care to. That would be helpful in case there is a bylaw officer there again."
With the church being one of the biggest in the community and a large amount of people typically using the building throughout the week, BarrieToday asked Gardner what is being done to make sure they follow the rules after the outbreak.
“We are investigating and know that we are considering what requirements we would make for faith-based services where we have seen issues of concern with this particular outbreak and to make very clear what their requirements are to safeguard those environments,” Gardner said.
“I would acknowledge the concerns that you raised and as indicated we are investigating not only from the point of view of managing this outbreak, but also what we will require and what we will communicate in the future for faith services," he added.
Gardner also said anyone with concerns about faith-based services in the community can contact the health unit either by phone or by email and can remain anonymous if needed.
