The Galveston County Health District has launched an investigation after 20 adults and children who attended a church camp reported testing positive for COVID-19.
So far, only 20 cases have been reported to the health district, but church leaders told health officials more than 125 people on the trip said they had tested positive for COVID-19, and they think many more could have been exposed during the camp and after the attendees returned home.
Although none of the youth, who were in grades six through 12, left the grounds during the camp, they did have contact with the camp counselors, according to the news release. Contact tracing is being done on the people who tested positive, said Ashley Tompkins, director of communications for the Galveston County Health District.
The camp was hosted in a campground outside of the county late last month. The campground had been hired by a church that the health district did not disclose. There were almost 450 adults and children in attendance.
In a press release, Dr. Philip Keiser, Galveston County Local Health Authority, said: “This is a reminder that COVID-19 is still here and we have to take precautions.” “If you’re of legal age to be vaccinated but haven’t been, now is the moment. These vaccines are safe and provide you, your family, and your community with the best protection against COVID-19.”
Anyone who feels ill or has had close contact with someone who tests positive for COVID-19 should be tested and quarantined at home while waiting for results, according to the health district. Those who haven’t been vaccinated should continue to wear a mask and avoid social Distance.
“We have attempted to love our neighbours by implementing strict safety standards since the beginning of the pandemic,” said church authorities in a statement. “This change of events has caught us off guard and made us upset. Our hearts ache for individuals who have been infected. Please pray for everyone who has been afflicted to heal quickly and completely.”
The event was held at Tejas Camp & Retreat, a Christian retreat resort near Giddings, by the church. COVID-19 prevention information is available on the facility’s website. It’s unclear whether attendees from other churches communicated with members of Clear Creek Community Church during the same week.
