#Churchgoer spreads COVID-19 to at least 91 people after attending service

An Ohio churchgoer sparked a coronavirus outbreak that spread to more than 90 other people after he attended a service, Gov. Mike DeWine said.

The 56-year-old man, who was not identified, was infected with the virus when he attended church on June 14, news station WLWT reported.

Following the service, the virus “spread like wildfire” and 91 people throughout five counties developed symptoms, DeWine said.

“[It’s] very scary,” the Republican governor said during a Tuesday press conference, according to news station WKYC.

DeWine said that he’s sending a letter to the state’s faith leaders to discuss better ways to protect their worshipers.

“Our religious faiths are at the core of our great state and country,” DeWine said. “However, it is vital that to control the spread of the virus that any time people gather together, including for religious services, that everyone wear masks, practice social distancing, wash hands, and also while indoors, making sure there is good ventilation and airflow.”

More than 95,000 Ohioans have contracted COVID-19, with at least 3,500 deaths related to the disease, according to the latest figures from Johns Hopkins University.