Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma (left) and Auxiliary Bishop-Emeritus Antonio Rañola (right). | Photo from The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Cebu
CEBU CITY, Philippines – Two of the top leaders of the Roman Catholic church in Cebu are set to be discharged from the hospital after winning their battle against the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).
Msgr. Joseph Tan, spokesperson of the Archdiocese of Cebu, confirmed to CDN Digital in a phone interview on Sunday, February 28, that Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma and Auxiliary Bishop-Emeritus Antonio Rañola have fully recovered from their infection.
Tan said the two prelates are expected to be discharged from the Perpetual Succour Hospital between Sunday (Feb. 28) and Monday (March 1).
“Recent swab test results of our two bishops showed that they were already free from the virus (SARS-CoV-2) and were declared by their attending physicians as fully recovered,” said Tan in Cebuano.
“Bishop Rañola was already given the clearance last Saturday (February 27) but he told the doctors he would prefer getting out the hospital together with the Archbishop,” he added.
Palma, 70, was confirmed to have contracted COVID-19 last February 19 and was immediately sent to the hospital for his recovery.
His close contacts within the Archbishop’s Residence, including Rañola, were also infected with the disease.
READ MORE: Archbishop Palma is COVID-19 positive
Throughout Palma and Ranola’s admission, the Archdiocese reported that the two were in stable condition and only exhibited little to mild symptoms.
Once out of the hospital, Tan said the attending doctors of Palma and Rañola will continue to monitor the prelates’ health.
“The Archbishop has several events to preside, including the funeral service of the late Dodong Gullas. He told us he is willing to preside over them but we are waiting for further advice from his doctors,” he explained.
In the meantime, Tan said they are deeply grateful for the prayers extended for the two prelates’ speedy recovery.
“We would also like to remind our faithfuls to continue to pray for those who are battling their own sickness, and always include them in our prayers,” he added. / dcb