“It was a shock”: Fort Mill Pastor tests positive for COVID-19, displayed no symptoms
A pastor at a Fort Mill church has tested positive for COVID-19.
Jeff Bedwell, a senior pastor at Fort Mill First Baptist Church, was tested for COVID-19 as a precaution for melanoma surgery. On Thursday, the church distributed a statement that showed he had tested positive.
“I’m blessed not to feel any symptoms at this time,” Bedwell told the Herald. “It was a shock.”
He had been subject to temperature checks every week and did not have a fever.
Bedwell said he does not know where he was exposed to the virus.
The church had transitioned into online services in March, but had resumed in-person services about a month ago.
The church took precautions to avoid the spread of COVID-19: services were limited to one third of their typical attendance and split in three different buildings. Rows were placed 6 feet apart and all volunteers wore masks and gloves, Bedwell said.
“I think the least likely place I got it is on a Sunday,” he said, due to the precautions taken at the church.
In response, all church staff members will be tested and will work from home until their results are negative, according to the email. All services will be online until staff members have been cleared.
The church also will be sanitized with EPA approved protocols, the statement said.
Bedwell said he wants to encourage people to understand the severity of the virus and wear masks. “We’re all still learning,” he said, and his case shows that people can spread the virus without knowing it.
First Baptist will be providing updates on their website.
This story was originally published July 17, 2020 at 1:37 PM.
