Cebu archbishop contracts Covid-19

MANILA – Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma has tested positive for the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19).

“The Archdiocese of Cebu wishes to inform the faithful that Archbishop Jose Palma tested positive for COVID last night,” said Monsignor Joseph Tan, spokesperson for the Archdiocese of Cebu in a statement on Friday.

He added that the archbishop is now in the hospital.

“He is now under medical care at Perpetual Succour Hospital,” the Catholic priest said. “The people who have been in close contact with the Archbishop have also been informed about the matter.”

At the same time, Tan asked the people to pray for Palma.

“The Archbishop remains in a stable condition. Let us all pray for his steady and speedy recovery,” he said.

Some Catholic prelates who got infected and have recovered from Covid-19 are former Manila Archbishop Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle, Manila Apostolic Administrator Bishop Broderick Pabillo, and retired Kalookan Bishop Deogracias Iñiguez.