Large Event Held At Charlotte Church Linked To COVID-19 Deaths

CHARLOTTE, NC — Months after events at a West Charlotte church were linked to 11 deaths and the spread of COVID-19 to more than 200 people, the house of worship held an event over the weekend that prompted a warning from county health officials, according to a report.

The United House of Prayer For All People, located at 2321 Beatties Ford Road, held an event Saturday that drew dozens of people, WSOC reported.

The event was ill-advised, according to Mecklenburg County Public Health officials, who responded to news of the event.

“MCPH is aware of the events and have been in conversation with UHOP leadership," MCPH said in a statement to WSOC. "We explained that now is not the time for this type of event considering the extent of the pandemic in our community. We have been assured by church leadership that they are implementing all of the necessary precautions and limiting the numbers in the church at any given time.”

Earlier this year, services at the church were linked to the spread of coronavirus and deaths following convocation events held in early October, which prompted county health officials to urge anyone who attended to get tested.

News of the event comes as COVID-19 spread in Mecklenburg County remains at a critical level, according to state public health officials. As of Dec. 3, the county reported 65,134 positive coronavirus cases, and at least 568 deaths.

As of Dec. 21, North Carolina reported that religious gatherings have been linked to at least 1,945 positive cases and at least 32 deaths since late May.

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