ILOILO City – Priests were not spared by coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).
Since the pandemic began, 33 priests under the Archdiocese of Jaro which covers the provinces of Iloilo and Guimaras tested positive for COVID-19, including Archbishop Jose Romeo Lazo.
Seven succumbed to the viral disease while 19 already recovered. As of this writing, seven cases remained active.
According to Father Angelo Colada, director of the Archdiocese of Jaro’s Commission on Social Communications, most of the fatalities were either senior citizens, retired or had comorbidities.
Most of the infected priests experienced mild symptoms such as fever and cough.
“Indi man naton mabal-an kon diin nila nakuha (ang COVID) but sa nature sang amon obra nga exposed man sa mga tawo, ara gid ang risk,” Colada told Panay News.
Colada thus reminded priests to work moderately andprotect their health.
He also asked for prayers from the public.
Meanwhile, Archbishop Lazo has already recovered, said Colada./PN
