RIPLEY — An outbreak of the COVID-19 virus in Jackson County has been linked to a funeral service which spread to a local church.

According to Wendy Staats, administrator for the Jackson County Health Department, folks from out of state attended a funeral service, which led to 14 cases at a local church. Not not all of those people reside in Jackson County, Staats said.

The church has suspended all services and all who were in contact with the positive cases are in quarantine and are being closely monitored by the health department.

In partnership with the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources, the Jackson County department is offering free COVID-19 testing from noon-4 p.m. Saturday at Cedar Lakes Conference Center.

The testing is available for anyone and is not limited to Jackson County residents.

Staats encourages anybody who may have been exposed to be tested along with kids who will be returning to school.

“They’re telling us we should get our test results within 48 hours,” she said.

Participants are asked to bring a valid ID or proof of address to receive their results. Children under the age of 18 need to be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. Proof of insurance is not required.

As of Wednesday afternoon, the Jackson County Health Department reported 25 active cases with six hospitalizations.

Candice Black can be reached at cblack@newsandsentinel.com.