MANILA – Nine elderly nuns of the Religious of the Virgin Mary (RVM) have died of the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) outbreak at their convent in Quezon City last week.
The nuns are among the 114 people in the convent that have contracted the disease.
“Nine Sisters have passed away, all in the age range of 79 to 98 years, and with comorbidities,” the RVM said a statement on Thursday.
The RVM said among the 62 infected nuns, two are already fully recovered, 38 are experiencing mild/moderate symptoms, and 13 are considered severe cases.
It added that as of Wednesday, 50 of the 52 lay personnel who had tested positive last week are nearing full recovery.
“The affected Sisters and staff continue to be monitored and receive treatment. The Congregation has been coordinating very closely with the Quezon City Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit (QCESU) on their status and condition. Many communities reside in different buildings in the compound, and the Sisters and lay with Covid virus infection are only in one building,” it added.
The RVM compound has been on lockdown since Sept. 15 following the outbreak of Covid-19.
The congregation thanked those who are praying for the nuns and its staff and for providing them their needed assistance.
“The RVM Sisters of the Congregation of the Religious of the Virgin Mary are deeply grateful for the prayers, support, and assistance received following the lockdown of the Quezon City convent since Sept. 15 due to Covid-19 infection among some of the Sisters and staff in the St. Joseph Home, a separate building in the compound that houses the elderly and infirm Sisters,” it said.
Meanwhile, the congregation has appealed for understanding in their request for privacy for the patients “and enable us to focus time and attention on their complete healing and full recovery”.
The RVM also warned the public against fraudulent solicitation drives on behalf of the congregation.
Those who would like to send assistance are advised to coordinate directly with the RVM Secretariat through the following numbers: (02) 8723-4414 or 0920-4181981. (PNA)
