NOT VERY MERRY

Days After White House Christmas Party, Georgia Pastor Tests Positive for COVID

Jentezen Franklin, 58, “wants you to know that he’s doing great,” his church said.

Five days ago, Georgia megachurch pastor Jentezen Franklin attended a Christmas party at the White House, posing maskless in front of a holiday tree. On Sunday, Free Chapel in Gainesville announced that Franklin has tested positive for COVID-19. “He is doing extremely well,” another pastor, Javon Ruff said, according to TV station 11Alive. “He wants you to know that he’s doing great. We’re going to continue to pray for him, but he’s following the CDC guidelines.” A spokesperson for the church says they don’t believe Franklin was infected at the White House but by an associated of the congregation in Atlanta on Thursday, although symptoms can appear anywhere between two and 14 days after exposure.