5 Cebu church personnel test positive for COVID-19

At least five personnel out of 41 at the Basilica del Sto. Nino in Cebu City tested positive for the virus that causes the coronavirus disease (COVID-19).

The announcement was made by Augustinian Prior Provincial Fr. Andres Rivera Jr. on Monday afternoon based on information from health department officials.

The results of the swab tests were done last May 29, 2020 at the Basilica convent and last June 1, 2020 at the health center of Barangay Tinago, Cebu City.

Rivera also announced that all the Augustinian priests who were also tested for COVID-19 have negative swab test results.

The five personnel who tested positive, he added, have remained asymptomatic and are under quarantine.

The head of the Augustinian community in Cebu assured that health protocols have been strictly implemented at the most famous church in the province.

"It must be noted that since the detection of a "suspected" COVID-19 cast last May 15 at the Basilica convent, all persons were already observing the strict protocol to prevent the contagion within the convent," he said.

The Basilica del Sto. Nino is the center of religious activities in the province-wide celebration of the Feast of the Infant Jesus every third Sunday of the month. The activities including the reenactment of the first baptism and seven-kilometer foot procession are attended by thousands every year.

Rivera also announced that the church has not yet been reopened for public worship and veneration and that sanitation procedures are being conducted within the premises as strict safety procedures and protocols are in place. -- BAP, GMA News