The church in Butte County, north of Sacramento, chose to open its doors despite rules banning gatherings of any size, county public health officials said in a statement Friday.
"Moving too quickly through the reopening process cancause a major setback and could require us to revert back to more restrictive measures," the statement said.
Most people with the virus experience fever and cough for up to three weeks.
Older adults and people with existing health problems can face severe illness, including pneumonia, and death. The vast majority recover. (AP) SCYSCY