St. Augustine Parishioner Tested Positive For Coronavirus

ANDOVER, MA — An attendee of two recent masses at Andover's St. Augustine Parish tested positive for the coronavirus, the church said.

The church learned Friday that a parishioner attended mass 4 p.m. June 20 and 8 a.m. June 25, as first reported by the Townsman.

"Given the parish's adherence to safety protocols, including the wearing of masks, social distancing, and sanitizing there is a very low probability that anyone else in attendance at either of those Masses would have been infected via transmission from this individual," the church said."It is advisable, however, for those who are concerned, to check with their personal physicians about testing and/or any other steps to be taken."

Churches were among the first institutions permitted to reopen when Massachusetts began its phased process, May 18. St. Augustine opened with strict restrictions, including an altered process for The Eucharist.

Andover has eight confirmed cases of the virus, as of Tuesday. The town's case count has begun ticking back up after dropping to five.

Christopher Huffaker can be reached at 412-265-8353 or chris.huffaker@patch.com.