US capital urges self-quarantine for church attendees

By Michael Hernandez

WASHINGTON (AA) - Washington, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser asked hundreds of Christ Church Georgetown parishioners to stay home for 14 days after a rector at the house of worship tested positive for the novel coronavirus.

Those who attended the church between Feb. 28 and March 3 are being urged to refrain from going to work and school, stay off public transportation and ride-share services, and avoid public gatherings.

Christ Church has also suspended all services and meetings after Father Timothy Cole tested positive for the virus.

In a note to his congregants, Cole said he is "receiving excellent care and am in good spirits under the circumstances."

"There is no need to panic. Following sensible precautions provided by the CDC will go a long way towards insuring the good health of our community," he said. " I want to assure you that I will be okay. I am receiving excellent care and am in good spirits under the circumstances. I will remain quarantined for the next 14 days as will the rest of my family."

In the meantime, Virginia, D.C.'s southern neighbor reported another positive COVID-19 diagnosis in an Arlington county resident in the state's third presumptive positive result. The other two cases are a Marine Base Quantico resident and Fairfax City resident.

The latest identified victim is a patient in their 60s who had developed symptoms, including a fever, cough and shortness of breath after returning from international travel. The patient is currently receiving medical care, and the Virginia Department of Health said they are "recuperating."

The case is being considered "presumptive" until it is confirmed with the Centers for Disease and Prevention (CDC).

There have been 423 confirmed cases of the new coronavirus in the U.S. across 35 states and the nation's capital, according to CDC data. In all, 19 people have died in the U.S. from the disease.