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SCB Methodist Church closed after funeral attendee tests positive for COVID

- All chapels across territory except Anegada closed; Congregation told to get vaccinated before SCB chapel reopens
Members of the congregation who were in attendance at the funeral at the Sea Cows Bay Methodist Church on March 27, 2021, have been encouraged to be tested and vaccinated and to show evidence of this before a decision is made to resume activities at the chapel in Sea Cows Bay. Photo: VINO
The Methodist congregation was informed of the closure and postponement of all fellowship activities via a letter by Circuit Superintendent Minister Dr Keith B. Lewis on Monday, March 29, 2021. Photo: VINO
The Methodist congregation was informed of the closure and postponement of all fellowship activities via a letter by Circuit Superintendent Minister Dr Keith B. Lewis on Monday, March 29, 2021. Photo: VINO
After a person who attended a funeral at the Sea Cows Bay Methodist Church on March 27, 2021, tested positive for COVID-19, resulting in a call for isolation and mass testing by Government, a decision has been made to close all Methodist chapels in the Territory, except for Anegada. Photo: Internet Source/File
After a person who attended a funeral at the Sea Cows Bay Methodist Church on March 27, 2021, tested positive for COVID-19, resulting in a call for isolation and mass testing by Government, a decision has been made to close all Methodist chapels in the Territory, except for Anegada. Photo: Internet Source/File
SEA COWS BAY, Tortola, VI- After a person who attended a funeral at the Sea Cows Bay Methodist Church on March 27, 2021, tested positive for COVID-19, resulting in a call for isolation and mass testing by Government, a decision has been made to close all Methodist chapels in the Territory, except for Anegada.

Further, members of the congregation who were in attendance at the funeral have been encouraged to be tested and vaccinated and to show evidence of this before a decision is made to resume activities at the chapel in Sea Cows Bay.

The closure of the chapels comes as the Lent season is being observed.

All fellowship activities postponed

The Methodist congregation was informed of the closure and postponement of all fellowship activities via a letter by Circuit Superintendent Minister Dr Keith B. Lewis on Monday, March 29, 2021.

“It is with regret that I inform you that the Circuit Staff has decided, in an over-abundance of caution, to close all of our chapels, with the exception of Anegada, with immediate effect: from today, Monday, March 29th through to Thursday, April 01. We will update you on Good Friday and Easter services. All fellowship activities associated with the churches are postponed,” the letter, a copy of which was shared with our newsroom, stated.

It also noted the Sea Cows Bay Methodist Chapel is closed to all services.

Congregation told to show evidence of vaccination

Dr Lewis further said: “This unusual decision is based on the presence of one individual who tested positive for COVID-19 and saw it fitting to be present at a Funeral service on Saturday, March 27, at the Sea Cows Bay Methodist Church.”

It should be noted that it has since been unearthed that the person who tested positive after attending the funeral had tested negative for the virus and was even given a certificate by the Ministry of Health confirming the negative test result, which allowed him to exit quarantine.

The letter by Dr Lewis encouraged members of the congregation who were in attendance at the funeral to be tested and vaccinated and “to show evidence of this before a decision is made to resume activities at the chapel.”

The congregation was also told that the church was advised that the building must be thoroughly sanitised in keeping with Government’s guidelines.

“As your pastor and Circuit Superintendent I am strongly advocating and encouraging you to please get vaccinated. If you were present at the funeral, give heed to the Public Health advice and self-isolate for ten (10) days and call the hotline to make an appointment for testing…” Dr Lewis pleaded.

The Letter also informed that Lenten Mid-Week-Wednesday service is cancelled also and that Holy Week Service will be broadcast via the church’s online YouTube channel.

25 Responses to “SCB Methodist Church closed after funeral attendee tests positive for COVID”

  • Well Well (30/03/2021, 13:13) Like (10) Dislike (0) Reply
    I’ll wait to read the comments. This is one crazy story and now no Resurrection Celebrations!
    • VY, VY (30/03/2021, 14:08) Like (12) Dislike (0) Reply
      THIS IS INDEED ONE CRAZY STORY. I UNDERSTAND WHAT IS GOING ON BUT THE TIMING. OK, WHY WOULD THE PERSON WHO WAS TESTED NEGATIVE GO BACK WITHIN A MATTER OF HOURS AND SHOW UP POSITIVE?
    • janet (04/04/2021, 10:26) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
      Rest in peace now Beverly. No more suffering or pain.
  • Bush tea and Jesus (30/03/2021, 13:49) Like (6) Dislike (7) Reply
    I thought there was no Covid and all we needed was bush tea and prayers to keep safe? Wah going on here?
  • Pure obey (30/03/2021, 14:36) Like (4) Dislike (2) Reply
    Wat the church service now got to do with the sudden concerns of the people...tell me hmmm
  • ohhhh (30/03/2021, 14:47) Like (7) Dislike (0) Reply
    Is there another part of the letter because nowhere in the letter that’s shown above states that the people should vaccinate and show evidence before the church can reopen.
  • piko (30/03/2021, 16:33) Like (14) Dislike (2) Reply
    I dont have to go back there...dont need no vaccine...churches got huge stimulus to push the vaccine
    • @Piko (31/03/2021, 07:53) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
      Yes Picko,

      When the churches took that stimulus money they sold out. The church I attend was very critical of the government until some money was thrown their way. Now, like Judas, they have sold out for 30 pieces of Silver. I am so disappointed in them messon.
  • Ghost (30/03/2021, 17:09) Like (35) Dislike (6) Reply
    “who were in attendance at the funeral to be tested and vaccinated and “to show evidence of this before a decision is made to resume activities at the chapel.”..

    this statement gives me pause in that how dare someone tells you that one Must show evidence of being tested but moreso vaccinated before a decision is made etc .. this is madness to me and no one had the right not even Government to tell anyone they cannot enter anywhere unless they’re vaccinated..some places in Florida wanted to pull this mess and the Governor shut it down saying not even Government has this right and this dr. Lewis somehow feels like he has this right!!!.... craziness..though I understand his concern, he still doesn’t have the right...
    • I agree (30/03/2021, 20:46) Like (13) Dislike (4) Reply
      what nonsense is he talking. When he go PR, ST Maarten or St Thoimas to catch a flight let him stand at the airport gate and ask for vaccine. Persons still have human rights and I will exercise mine. They going soon say don't use crest toothpaste, it must be colgate. All about control de man
      • @ I agree (31/03/2021, 15:35) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
        You also have a right to carry a gun but to do so the law says,would be endangering lives.
        You have a right to not be vaccinated but to not vaccinate you endanger lives.
        Laws are passed at times to override " your rights".
    • @ ghost (30/03/2021, 21:28) Like (20) Dislike (2) Reply
      Out of all order telling people to get vaccinated pushing this agenda during the funeral service then to add this to a letter.

      At the end of the day these people pushing their political and personal views on others.
      • Ghost (31/03/2021, 16:00) Like (0) Dislike (1) Reply
        Simply put, Dr. Lewis or anyone doesn’t have this right; and it should never be Imposed upon us.. Father God Please Help us oh Lord to Stand against wrong doing and the works of the enemy..
      • Ghost (31/03/2021, 16:18) Like (0) Dislike (1) Reply
        Simply put, Dr. Lewis or anyone doesn’t have this right; and it should never be Imposed upon us.. Father God Please Help us oh Lord to Stand against wrong doing and the works of the enemy..
    • gfhgfhgfhgf (31/03/2021, 15:28) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
      The vaccine passport in the same US is becoming a reality.
      No vaccine, stay home.
  • who to blame (30/03/2021, 17:29) Like (3) Dislike (1) Reply
    it is our own people that placed us in this area of concern probably almost skip town already leaving hometown in drama

  • god is watching (30/03/2021, 17:57) Like (17) Dislike (5) Reply
    People of the BVI. The plot thickens! I just heard loud mouth CSC on ZBVI pleading his heart out for the BVI people who have not taken the vaccine to take it! Saying that our economy depends on it. Is this man a man of God? Not one word about God in his mouth, only trying to force us to take it. Be vigilant my people.11 Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
    Take courage in Ephesians 6:12-18

    12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.

    13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

    14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;

    15 And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;

    16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.

    17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:

    18 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints.

    May God help us all because something is not right.
  • @ohhhh (30/03/2021, 18:07) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    IF YOU ARE IN PAIN ( THEN IT SHOULD BE - AHHHH ) NOW OPEN YOUR EYES AND READ WHAT WAS SAID BY THE PASTOR AND CIRCUIT SUPRENDTENDENT
  • Hmmmm (30/03/2021, 18:41) Like (15) Dislike (0) Reply
    Pure BS sah! They know they could give the people BS story to swallow sah!
  • musa (31/03/2021, 09:06) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    If our people don't want to lessen we all will feel covid19 is no joke ,we all need to accept abc (always be careful)
  • wow (31/03/2021, 13:38) Like (2) Dislike (1) Reply
    Why close All the Methodist Chapels? This don't make No Sense at All! If this Minister don't want to attend. Service, so be it. This Jim Jones mentality ( Do As I Say) is so disgracefull. Parishioners are Folliwers of Christ, not Followers of MAN!
  • Pastors without faith (31/03/2021, 19:15) Like (0) Dislike (2) Reply
    All you pastor talking about is Covid and not the word of God... Don't be a false prophet. Continue to encourage people to get closer to God instead of focusing on Covid 19...Stop using your serons to encourage peole to be vaccinated...Your father is weak and expect people to listen to you. SHAME ON YOU! Let God advice you not man.


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