Michael Williams The Dallas Morning News
DALLAS — More than 125 people who attended a camp hosted by a Galveston County church late last month have since tested positive for COVID-19, the church said.
Clear Creek Community Church, based in League City, hosted a ministry for students in grades six to 12 at a campground outside of Galveston County, pastor Bruce Wesley said in a written statement. The camp was attended by more than 400 people.
“Additionally, hundreds more were exposed to COVID-19 at camp,” Wesley said. “And hundreds of others were likely exposed when infected people returned home from camp.”
No details were provided about the severity of infections.
Galveston County health officials said they were notified of the first case stemming from the camp June 27. At least 20 people have since tested positive in the county.
Health officials said the campground was rented exclusively by the church, and no other campers were at the site. The group did not leave the campground during their stay.
“This is a reminder that COVID-19 is still here and we have to take precautions,” said Dr. Philip Keiser, Galveston County’s health officer. “If you’re old enough to get vaccinated and haven’t, now is the time. These vaccines are safe and offer the best protection against COVID-19 to you, your family and your community.”
About 58% of Texans have received at least one vaccine dose, according to data provided by the state, while 50% — or 12,046,654 people — are fully vaccinated. Vaccine rates are similar in Galveston County, where 57% of eligible residents have received at least one dose, and 52% are fully vaccinated.
Health officials have been increasingly worried about the spread of new coronavirus variants. It’s unclear whether a variant sickened the church group.
The church canceled services July 4 and 7. It expects to resume services July 11.
