91 people sickened by COVID-19 in Tuscarawas County church

A Tuscarawas County church has been linked to a COVID-19 outbreak that sickened 91 different people.

At his press conference on Tuesday, Gov. Mike DeWine showed a graphic detailing how the virus spread from one 56-year-old man who attended a church service on June 14. By July 4, 91 additional people had developed symptoms in five counties.

"It spread like wildfire. Very, very scary," the governor said.

On Wednesday, Tuscarawas County Health Commissioner Katie Seward confirmed that the church is in Tuscarawas County, but she said she would not be releasing the name of the church.

"TCHD worked with the Ohio Department of Health at the request of the governor to create the graphic to show how one person can spread the virus quickly to others who then pass it on further," she said.

DeWine urged people attending services to take precautions to slow the spread of the virus.

"It's vital that to control the spread of the virus that anytime people get together, including for religious services, that everyone wear masks, practice social distancing, wash their hands and also while indoors, make sure there's good ventilation and air flow," he said.

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