MANILA – Another Catholic bishop has tested positive for coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19).
In a Facebook post on Thursday, the Diocesan Youth Apostolate - Diocese of Ilagan announced that Bishop William Antonio was tested early this week.
“The swab test and laboratory exam of the Most. Rev. William Antonio, D.D., Bishop of Ilagan, taken last Monday, November 9, 2020 as a requirement for travel permit resulted in Covid-19 positive,” said the advisory signed by Chancellor Ric Zeus Angibang.
It added that the head of the Ilagan diocese is asymptomatic and now undergoing quarantine.
At the same time, the diocese announced that the St. Michael Cathedral, the Chancery, and the Bishop’s residence are closed starting Thursday.
“Please be informed that St. Michael Cathedral, the Diocesan Chancery and the Bishop’s residence at the Cathedral compound in Maharlika Highway, Gamu, Isabela are closed beginning, November 12, 2020 until further notice,” it added.
The Ilagan diocese also advised those who had close contact with or prolonged exposure to the bishop the past few days to observe precautionary measures.
“They are requested to self-isolate from 10-14 days, to inform their respective Rural Health Unit about their predicament for contract tracing or immediate medical intervention should they manifest Covid-19 symptoms (e.g. colds, cough, fever, diarrhea, tiredness, aches and pains, loss of taste and smell, difficulty in breathing, etc.) to prevent the local transition of the virus,” the advisory said. “We pray for the fast recovery of Bishop William and all those who are afflicted by the pandemic."
Three of the five Catholic prelates who got infected with Covid-19. have already recovered.
Those who recovered from the disease are former Manila Archbishop Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle, Manila Apostolic Administrator Bishop Broderick Pabillo, and retired Kalookan Bishop Deogracias Iñiguez.
Meanwhile, retired Imus Bishop Manuel Sobreviñas and Lingayen-Dagupan Emeritus Archbishop Oscar Cruz succumbed to Covid-19. (PNA)
