58 COVID-19 cases linked to Liberty Church in Grand Ledge

Kara Berg
Lansing State Journal

GRAND LEDGE — A Grand Ledge church is linked to at least 58 positive cases of COVID-19, according to the Barry Eaton District Health Department. 

Anne Barna, spokesperson for the health department, said most people at Liberty Church in Grand Ledge began experiencing symptoms during the week of Oct. 12, but several new linked cases have popped up since. Health officials consider the outbreak to be ongoing, Barna said. 

Barna originally said Thursday that 57 people had tested positive, but a press release sent out later that day identified 58. 

Most people were exposed at a Sunday worship service Oct. 11 and at a youth group meeting in the middle of the week, she said. The virus may have also spread at events a few days before and after the Sunday service, Barna said. 

Many of those who attended services at the Pentecostal church have not been cooperative with the health department's attempts at contract tracing, Barna said. They have been reluctant to speak with the department, which Barna said makes health officials' job much harder. 

"We think there are probably more cases than 57, but it's still hard to say," Barna said. 

Five people were hospitalized and four remain in in-patient care, she said. 

On Oct. 14 and Oct. 16, the church posted on its Facebook page that some members had reported feeling ill and that they would be streaming services for the next several weeks. 

The phone number listed on the church's website was disconnected. Church leaders did not immediately respond to an email sent Thursday afternoon. 

Barna encouraged anyone who tested positive to speak to health department employees. She said the department does not give the name of the person who tested positive to any contacts who may be asked to quarantine. The identity of anyone who tests positive for COVID-19 will be kept secret. 

Barna said the church did not require face masks, although it appeared some people had been wearing masks to services. 

Although people are allowed to attend church without a face covering, Barna said the health department does not recommend it. They are encouraging people to attend church virtually, especially those who are particularly vulnerable to the virus. 

As of Wednesday, Eaton County had 198 active cases and 584 under monitoring. The county has seen just over 1,000 confirmed cases and 11 deaths. 

Contact reporter Kara Berg at 517-377-1113 or kberg@lsj.com. Follow her on Twitter @karaberg95.