DENVER — A local pastor running for Colorado House District 7 has been diagnosed with COVID-19, the disease cased by the novel coronavirus.
Pastor Terrance Hughes is currently in the hospital receiving treatment. His wife released a statement he wrote shortly before needing a breathing tube. It says, in part:
“I have been diagnosed with the COVID-19 virus. Making this announcement was not easy. I wanted to both be honest with those who have come into contact with me and also keep family safe and protected.”
Hughes said in the statement that he is also suffering with pneumonia and that he was hospitalized three times before he was tested for the virus.
His co-pastor at New Covenant Christian Church / Alpha Omega Ministries Disciples of Christ in Denver said the congregation is taking the appropriate steps by quarantining themselves, suspending meetings and streaming services on Facebook live.
“Pastor Hughes is doing fine in his recovery; he’s getting great medical care,” Pastor Reginald Holmes said. “It is extremely important for all of us to work together to starve this virus.”
Holmes said he has self-quarantined for the last five days and has been in frequent contact with his doctor.
“With the with the exception of Mrs. Hughes, none of our members are exhibiting any kind of symptoms,” Holmes said.
Holmes stressed it’s important to focus on coming together and not speculate about how the virus was spread.
“If we are going to defeat the disease it’s going to take everybody pulling together in the same direction making the same sacrifices,” Holmes said.
