Clara White Mission pauses operation after COVID-19 outbreak

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Several employees and residents have tested positive for COVID-19 at the Clara White Mission, according to a statement sent out by the Clara White Mission president, Michelle Paul.

The statement said over the last few weeks multiple employees had tested positive for the virus, and while the release did not give an update on the status of the employees, it did say, “Out of respect for our employees and residents privacy, we cannot comment on individuals status, but we can confirm one employee has passed away.”

Paul said in the statement that as soon as staff learned about the outbreak at the Mission, they immediately closed down the building and followed CDC guidelines.

The building has since had a cleaning and staff and residents have been quarantined. The staff and residents that tested positive were all asymptomatic.

For employees and residents to return to the building, they must provide a copy of a negative test result.

Paul said that due to the unfortunate circumstances, the Mission will temporarily stop their feeding services as they take a week to plan and prepare for its reopening.

The Clara White Mission plans on reopening Monday, July 26, and their drop-in day center will reopen Tuesday, July 20.

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