Cebu archbishop hospitalized after showing COVID-19 symptoms

Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma has been hospitalized after showing COVID-19 symptoms.

Monsignor Joseph Tan, spokesperson of the Archdiocese of Cebu, confirmed the news past 9 pm Friday, January 15.

“All ok! No cause for concern,” Tan said in a text message to Rappler.

Tan said Palma was taken to the hospital out of precaution, adding that they did not want to take any chances since the archbishop is already 70 years old.

He could not confirm, however, if Palma was tested for COVID-19, according to a SunStar report.

But Tan emphasized that the archbishop was in good condition and would be checking out of the hospital on Saturday, January 16, after some general checkups.

The Archbishop would still be presiding over the Pontifical Mass of the Feast of Santo Niño on Sunday, January 17.

Cebu City’s active COVID-19 cases have breached the 500-mark, registering 552 active cases, including at least 61 newly confirmed cases.

Physical activities and in-person masses during the Sinulog festival have been canceled due to the spike in cases.

According to data from the Department of Health, Cebu City currently has 11,333 total coronavirus cases, including 10,082 recoveries and 699 deaths. – Rappler.com