THE Basilica del Santo Niño de Cebu will remain closed to the public after five of its workers tested positive of the new coronavirus disease.
Father Andres Rivera Jr., prior provincial of the Order of St. Augustine, said the five workers were found positive of the disease after tests done by health officials.
“It must be noted that since the detection of a ‘suspected’ Covid-19 case last May 25 at the Basilica convent, all persons were already observing the strict protocol to prevent the contagion within the convent,” the priest said in an advisory on June 8.
“The five persons who are positive remain asymptomatic and are now on their 13th day of the quarantine period,” added Father Rivera.
Because of the situation the basilica will remain closed for public worship and veneration.
Some priests and church personnel have been isolated inside the convent since May 25 after being exposed with another worker who had symptoms of the disease.
Father Rivera said that no public Masses will be held “to sanitize the whole basilica compound and to strengthen its safety procedures and protocols.”
