Church that once sued over COVID-19 restrictions continues services after 74 people infected
CBSN
A church in Oregon is continuing to hold in-person services even after health officials said 74 people in the congregation contracted COVID-19. Following the coronavirus outbreak at People's Church in Salem, the Oregon Health Authority has launched an investigation, the Associated Press reports.
The church frequently posts video updates on its Facebook page. In April, Pastor Tom Murray said in a video that there has been an increase in positive tests, hospitalizations and intensive care unit patients across the U.S. "Even within our church family, you've asked us to pray with you and pray for you as you told us about illness in your homes," he said, adding that the church is open, but people who are sick should stay home and watch services online. He also assured members of the church that is is cleaned frequently and thoroughly.Ashley White received her earliest combat action badge from the United States Army soon after the first lieutenant arrived in Afghanistan. The silver military award, recognizing soldiers who've been personally engaged by an attacker during conflict, was considered an achievement in and of itself as well as an affirming rite of passage for the newly deployed. White had earned it for using her own body to shield a group of civilian women and children from gunfire that broke out in the midst of her third mission in Kandahar province. All of them survived. She never mentioned the badge to anyone in her battalion.