Manila bishop gets COVID-19

MANILA, Philippines — Manila Auxiliary and apostolic administrator of the Archdiocese of Manila Bishop Broderick Pabillo has been infected with the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

In a statement issued yesterday, Pabillo announced that he tested positive for the virus after undergoing reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction test.

“It is in this spirit that I announce that I tested positive for COVID-19,” Pabillo said, adding that he has not manifested symptoms of the disease.

The prelate said he is undergoing quarantine and strictly following safety protocols set by the Department of Health.

“Although I do not feel anything, I follow the quarantine protocols,” Pabillo said. “My condition is being monitored. I take healthy food and vitamins, and doing physical exercises.”

Pabillo said his staff tested negative for the virus.

Those who had direct contact with the priest were asked to undergo self-quarantine as a precautionary measure.

The bishop said he would continue to perform his ministry in the Church through online meetings while he is on quarantine.

“I know this virus will pass. So please do not worry about me, although prayers would be very much appreciated,” Pabillo said. “Since I am in my normal self, thank God, the scheduled online meetings that we have set will continue.”

Pabillo said he has assigned another priest who will celebrate masses and read the homilies he prepared for the Manila Cathedral.

Pope Francis has appointed Pabillo as the caretaker of the Archdiocese of Manila after former Archbishop Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle was chosen as the prefect of the Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples.