HONG KONG (SE): Archbishop Jose Palma of Cebu, the Philippines, tested positive for the Covid-19 coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) on February 18, making him the seventh Philippine bishop to contract the disease CBCPNews reported on February 19. The Archdiocese of Cebu made the announcement following confirmation from swab tests and laboratory results.
Monsignor Joseph Tan, spokesperson of the archdiocese, said that Archbishop Palma is now under the medical care at the Perpetual Succour Hospital in Cebu.
“The archbishop remains in a stable condition. Let us all pray for his steady and speedy recovery,” Monsignor Tan said.
CBCPNews reported that Archbishop Palma was last seen in publid during a private Ash Wednesday service,which was live treamed from the chapel at his residence.
“The people who have been in close contact with the Archbishop have also been informed about the matter,” Monsignor Tan added.
The 70-year-old Archbishop Palma contracted the virus as the archdiocese is busy preparing for the 500th year commemoration of the first baptism in the Philippines set to be held on April 14.
The event will also launch the archdiocese’s quincentennial celebration of Christianity in the country.
