Church Closes After Reverend Tests Positive For Coronavirus

BEVERLY HILLLS, CA — All Saints Episcopal Church notified congregants Wednesday that Rev. Janet Broderick tested positive for novel coronavirus and was hospitalized undergoing treatment, a church spokesman said.

The parish campus at 504 N. Camden Drive in Beverly Hills is closed, with services suspended pending guidance from the Los Angeles County Public Health Department, said the Rev. Nathaniel Katz, senior associate rector, who is overseeing parish operations.

According to a statement released by the church, Broderick sought medical attention Monday at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, and after an initial assessment, was moved to the ICU and placed under isolation. She was tested for COVID-19, and the results came back positive.

"I am sorry for you to hear this news," Broderick wrote in a letter to the parish. "I am so thankful for your prayers as I have been ill."

Don't miss local and statewide news about coronavirus developments and precautions. Sign up for Patch alerts and daily newsletters.

She wrote that she was "through the worst of this and very, very much on the mend. Jesus has been so close to me the whole time and scriptures have upheld me. I so look forward to being together again in worship, to praying with you and singing a hymn."

Broderick is the sister of actor Matthew Broderick, ABC7 reports.

The reverend's diagnosis follows the March 7 hospitalization of the Rev. Tim Cole, rector of Christ Church, Georgetown, in Washington D.C. The two clerics were among attendees at a denominational Consortium of Endowed Episcopal Parishes conference Feb. 19-21 in Louisville, Kentucky.

More than 500 religious leaders from around the country attended the event.

Katz says the parish anticipates working closely with the public health department to ensure all steps are taken for the health and well being of its congregation and anyone who had contact with the rector during her designated incubation period.

Last Thursday, Rev. John Harvey Taylor, bishop of the six-county Episcopal Diocese of Los Angeles directed all of the diocese's 130 congregations to suspend use of the common communion cup until further notice and to take other precautions such as avoiding handshakes and using care when serving food.

"The wonderful news today is that our beloved colleague Janet is dramatically improved after a scary few days," Taylor said. He added that the 200 institutions in his purview would follow the best advice of health officials to make decisions about the health and safety of others.

Taylor said Broderick's "current condition is stable, and she is being treated for a severe form of pneumonia.

"She is receiving the best medical care available and her doctors' prognosis is for a complete and full recovery. It will take some time, but Janet is resting comfortably at Cedars until the time she is released and can return home to complete her recovery."

There is currently no vaccine to prevent coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus. However, as a reminder, CDC always recommends everyday preventive actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory diseases, including:

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
• Stay home when you are sick.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
• Follow CDC’s recommendations for using a facemask.
• CDC does not recommend that people who are well wear a facemask to protect themselves from respiratory diseases, including COVID-19.
• Facemasks should be used by people who show symptoms of COVID-19 to help prevent the spread of the disease to others. The use of facemasks is also crucial for health workers and people who are taking care of someone in close settings (at home or in a health care facility).
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
• If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty.

City News Service contributed to this post