Hospicio de San Jose asks for donations as COVID-19 cases spike to 80

The Hospicio de San Jose orphanage in Manila is asking for cash donations as it reported 80 COVID-19 cases among children and its personnel, its president said Sunday.

In a phone interview with GMA News Online, Sister Maria Socorro Pilar Evidente said COVID-19 infections in the orphanage grew "rapidly" in August.

"'Di ma-trace. It's quite rapid 'di tulad noong April to June dahan-dahan ang pagtaas ng bilang ng cases. Ito, in a matter of weeks, 80 na," she said.

(We can't trace it, but the rate of increase was quite rapid unlike in April to June when cases were slowly increasing.)

Of the 80, Evidente said, two are severe cases, which were already sent to the hospital, while the remaining 78 are already recovering.

On top of these cases, Evidente said they need to test more than 40 symptomatic people, including senior citizens, in their orphanage.

She further pointed out that the orphanage has been on lockdown since April

"'Til we have the virus in the air, we will remain on lockdown," said Evidente.

Evidente appeals for cash donations from the public for the basic needs of the orphanage's wards and personnel.

"We prefer cash donations for marketing needs; we feed 450 residents or veggies and fruits for direct service," she said.

Cash donations may be sent through BPI M.H. Del Pilar branch, Hospicio de San Jose (8103-0986-62) or Metrobank UN Avenue branch, Hospicio de San Jose (175-3-17550678-1).

Donors are requested to email their deposit slips to mspg.evidente@gmail.com so they can be issued an official receipt.

For inquiries, Hospicio de San Jose may also be reached at 87342366.

On Aug. 21, Philippines' total COVID-19 cases hit 1,824,051, including  123,935 active cases; 31,596 deaths; and 1,668,520  recoveries.  —LBG/KG, GMA News