A self-proclaimed “no masker,” pastor Paul Van Noy of Candlelight Christian Fellowship in Coeur d’Alene led his congregation in a prayer against the mask mandate in his city back in July.
Now, Mr. Van Noy is finishing his second week in an intensive care unit after contracting coronavirus, according to NBC News.
“I am a no-masker, personally…. I don’t want to be told I have to wear a mask,” he said from the pulpit. “We’re adults and we don’t need the government to tell us what to do.”
It’s the latest in a long line of stories of science deniers who not only scoff at the dangers of the coronavirus, but who actively advocate for others to ignore common sense public health actions.
“It has been clearly and scientifically proven that many masks do not aid in the prevention of Covid-19 transmission. I have said here at Candlelight, ‘If a person wants to wear a mask they should be allowed to do so. However, if they don’t, that’s ok too.’ … One additional thought for those who are believers in Jesus. There is no need to fear the cause or effect of Covid-19,” he wrote on Facebook in July.
Van Noy closed his church August 31st, days before he was admitted to the hospital. It reopened last Sunday, “with understandably low attendance,” according to its website.
Six other members of the church have tested positive for coronavirus. Their health status is unknown.