Cebu archbishop, Balagtas mayor infected

MANILA, Philippines — Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma has tested positive for coronavirus disease 2019.

Archdiocese of Cebu spokesman Joseph Tan said Palma is in stable condition at the Perpetual Succour Hospital.

“The people who have been in close contact with the archbishop have been informed... Let us pray for his speedy recovery,” Tan said.

In an interview over Church-run Radyo Veritas, Tan said Palma is experiencing mild symptoms of  COVID-19.

Palma tested negative for the virus when he was confined in a hospital last month due to cold and cough.

The Cebu prelate is the seventh ranking member of the Catholic Church who contracted the virus.

Manila Archbishop Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle, Manila apostolic administrator Bishop Broderick Pabillo and bishops David William Antonio of Ilagan and Deogracias Iñiguez of Caloocan also tested positive for the virus.

Former archbishop Oscar Cruz and former Caloocan bishop Manuel Sobreviñas died from complications due to COVID-19.

Meanwhile, Mayor Eladio Gonzales Jr. of Balagtas, Bulacan confirmed in a post on Facebook yesterday that he and his wife tested positive for the virus.

Gonzales said he underwent swab test after he was exposed to an infected person. He said he remains asymptomatic.

He said municipal government employees underwent swab testing even as he ordered the disinfection of the municipal building. – Ramon Efren Lazaro