“God forbid that we would close the doors voluntarily.” That is the response from Church of God Pastor Henry Hildebrandt to a request from Southwestern Public Health to voluntarily close his Aylmer church for in-person services and gatherings for 28 days. The request is the result of a recent increase in COVID-19 cases in the community.
The request is on behalf of Southwestern Public Health medical officer of health, Dr. Joyce Lock.
Hildebrandt responded to the health unit in an emotion-charged video posted yesterday (Wednesday) to YouTube.
Hildebrandt claimed the health unit is lying to the church and the public in general about the seriousness of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The health unit advised Hildebrandt drive-in services could continue through the voluntary closure following COVID-19 precautions.
