Ilagan bishop catches COVID-19

TUGUEGARAO, Philippines — The St. Michael’s Cathedral in Gamu, Isabela was temporarily closed to the public yesterday after Ilagan Bishop William Antonio tested positive for coronavirus disease 2019 or COVID-19.

In a post on social media, the Diocese of Ilagan urged those exposed to the bishop to undergo quarantine for 14 days.

The advisory said Antonio was asymptomatic and advised those manifesting symptoms to immediately seek medical attention.

Priest, staff and household members of the Diocesan Chancery, St. Michael’s Cathedral and the Bishop’s Palace have isolated themselves.

Antonio underwent swab test as a requirement for a travel pass as he needed to go home to Ilocos region to attend to some personal matters.

Antonio is the second Catholic clergy in Isabela to catch COVID-19, after a priest who attended a wake and funeral of a lay leader in Naguilian town in August.