Virginia Pastor Dies From Coronavirus After Refusing To Close Church Doors Amid Social Distancing Orders

The coronavirus outbreak, which has infected over 576,000 people in the United States, has now claimed the life of a beloved pastor.

Just weeks after hosting a packed service at Richmond’s New Deliverance Evangelistic Church, Bishop Gerald O. Glenn passed away from the deadly virus.

According to The New York Post, Glenn’s last known service took place on March 22, where he vowed to keep his church doors open “unless I’m in jail or in the hospital.”

“I firmly believe that God is larger than this dreaded virus,” Glenn said at the time amid the state’s social distancing orders, adding that “people are healed” in his church.

“I am essential,” he added, “I’m a preacher – I talk to God.”

But, on Sunday, the church announced the news of Glenn’s passing, revealing that he died a week after being diagnosed with the disease.

“It becomes very real to you,” his daughter, Mar-Gerie Crawley, told local news, adding that her mother is also sick with the virus. “I just beg people to understand the severity and the seriousness of this, because people are saying it’s not just about us, it’s about everyone around us.”