A Texas church has canceled public Mass after the death of a priest who was suspected of having the coronavirus.
The Holy Ghost Catholic Church in Houston resumed limited Mass a few weeks ago, but five parish leaders have tested positive for COVID-19 since. The Rev. Donnell Kirchner may have contracted the virus and exposed it to others before his death on May 13, according to the Houston Chronicle.
A statement released by the church said Kirchner had been diagnosed with pneumonia but was not admitted to a hospital and was instead sent home with medication. It is unclear if he was tested for the coronavirus.
In his final days, Kirchner was living with seven other members of the church. The seven were later tested for the coronavirus, and five returned with positive results, including two who had participated in Mass since the church started reopening.
The church is urging members of its congregation who have attended Mass since it resumed in early May to monitor their health and check for COVID-19 symptoms, referring them to several community resources to get tested if needed.
