Christians have been worshiping at Lighthouse Baptist Church in Horseheads for almost 30 years. In just a couple of weeks, they have become the center of a COVID-19 cluster.

What You Need To Know

  • Lighthouse Baptist Church in Horseheads is the center of a COVID-19 cluster

  • At least 45 cases of COVID have been connected to the church across six counties

  • The Chemung County Health Department is urging anyone who has been to the church recently to call 607-873-1813

“I was very surprised, and very terrified because that church is very close to my house, and I just feel so sorry for those people, and it isn’t going away. It's horrible," said Kevan Carichner, a member of the community.

The Chemung County Health Department says at least 45 cases of COVID-19 have been connected to Lighthouse across six counties.

“Well I was quite shocked at what happened here in town. You don’t think about something like that happening in a small town like Elmira," said Joan McNamara, a member of the community.

The health department says the church isn’t fully cooperating with contact tracing efforts.

“We understand that some of the parishioners believe that they don’t need to cooperate with the health department because God will look out for them. The problem with that is they are coming into contact with elderly folks, children, family members and this is how a cluster grows, and grows, and grows," said Republican Chemung County Executive Chris Moss.

On Friday, 13 more cases were reported from the county, at least one of those connected to Lighthouse Baptist.

“Well it's going to be upsetting to some people, and other people unfortunately will be like, ‘oh well,’ as so many people feel these days," said Carichner.

Anyone who has been to the Lighthouse Baptist Church between August 18 and September 6 should contact the Chemung County Health Department. Their COVID Hotline is 607-873-1813.