(Breaking) Pastor, Wife, more than 3O Others who attended church service tests positive for covid-19

A pastor has just issued a coronavirus warning this week after he, his wife and more than 30 others connected to their church contracted the deadly virus.

Rev. Mark Palenske who described his experience in a long Facebook post said that he had nausea, aches and fatigue alongside his wife, Dena Palenske.

While giving numbers, Donald Shipp, of First Assemblies of God Church in Greers Ferry, told Arkansas Democrat-Gazette that thirty-four people contracted the virus after attending an event at Palenske’s church earlier this month.

He added that other visitors were still awaiting test results.

Palenske wrote on his Facebook page, “When something like this [COVID]-19 virus touches the other side of the world, your first inclination is to assume that time and distance are on your side. That false assumption caught up with Dena and I this past week.”

Palenske also thanked his supporters and medical workers, and urged unity and compassion among his fellow citizens amid the outbreak.

“First of all, your prayers for Dena and I, our church, our community and our country are much appreciated,” Palenske wrote. “Secondly, I would love to have you take this medical threat more seriously.

NYPostreports that Palenske also described the struggles he faced before he could get tested. He said that he only got tested for COVID-19 after more than two dozen people linked to the church were found to have the illness.

“We were definitely sick, but the testing was not available,” he wrote. “Not for us, and not for dozens in the church.”

Palenske said he “pushed the envelope” and eventually found a doctor who had a few commercial tests.

The pastor also urged his followers to heed the instructions of health authorities on social distancing and hand-washing.

“We must keep the affected population to as a low a number as possible,” he wrote. “Our singular act of stubborn independence can have far-reaching effects on someone else’s life.”

Palenske also asked his followers to pray for the medical personnel treating people who have contracted the coronavirus.

“I remember the two nurses who met us out in the parking lot the day that we were tested,” he said. “Their world changed in a single moment, and they stood tall to the challenge… They are doing their best, not only to help us return to our lives and our families, but to help them return to theirs, as well.”