Multiple people who attended a recent church conference in Kansas City, Kan., have become ill and have tested positive for COVID-19. The Kansas East Jurisdiction’s Ministers and Workers Conference was held on March 16-22 at the Miracle Temple Church of God on Quindaro Blvd.
Officials from the Kansas Department of Health & Environment said symptoms for COVID-19 appear two to 14 days after exposure and include fever, cough and shortness of breath. Other rarer symptoms that may develop include malaise, sore throat and diarrhea.
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“This event has been identified as a place of exposure for multiple people in Kansas who have since become ill and tested positive for COVID-19,” the agency said in a statement.
Kristi Zears, a spokeswoman for the state health department, told the Kansas City Star that investigations are still under way, but as of early this week, KDHE believed seven cases were associated with the event.
The KDHE said anyone who develops any of these symptoms but are not ill enough to seek medical care must stay home for at least seven days after symptom started or for 72 hours after fever is gone (without the use of fever-reducing medication) and with a significant improvement in symptoms, whichever is longer. People who develop symptoms and need medical care should call their health care provider before to inform them of possibly exposure to COVID-19.
“During these uncertain times, our number one priority continues to be the safety and health of the Kansas East membership,” conference organizers said in a statement. “However, as a body of Christian believers, we also continue to pray for our families, friends and country.”
Anyone who attended the church conference and develops symptoms consistent with COVID-19 is asked to call their local health department. The KDHE also is answering questions through its Epidemiology Hotline (877) 427-7317.
Through April 3, Kansas had reported 552 confirmed cases of COVID-19 and 13 deaths. Missouri reported 1,824 cases and 19 deaths in the same period.
–Alan Goforth | Metro Voice