Coronavirus: Louisiana pastor defies social-distancing efforts, welcomes hundreds to church service

Ignoring social-distancing efforts and a state ban on large group gatherings amid the deadly coronavirus pandemic, a Louisiana pastor welcomed hundreds of worshipers to a church service this week.

According to WAFB-TV and CNN, the Rev. Tony Spell, pastor of Life Tabernacle Church in Central, said more than 300 people came to the church Tuesday for a service. More than 1,100 worshiped there the previous Sunday, he added.

Spell said the virus, which had killed more than 8,800 people worldwide and nearly 150 in the United States by Thursday morning, is "not a concern," WAFB reported.

"The virus, we believe, is politically motivated," he told the news station. "We hold our religious rights dear, and we are going to assemble no matter what someone says."

Tuesday's service came after Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards issued a state order prohibiting gatherings of more than 50, according to WAFB. President Donald Trump, meanwhile, discouraged meetings of groups of more than 10 people.

Spell claimed that officers told him the National Guard would respond if he held any other large gatherings that violated the order; however, Louisiana National Guard Col. Ed Bush denied that it would enforce the social-distancing requirements, WAFB reported.