The Basilica Minore del Santo Niño is preparing to reopen after five of its personnel have fully recovered from the new coronavirus disease.
An advisory released by the Order of Saint Augustine in Cebu confirmed that its employees “are now Covid-free.”
“In line with this, the Basilica Minore del Santo Nino and the Pilgrim Center are now being prepared for its reopening,” said Father Andres Rivera Jr., prior provincial of the Augustians in Cebu.
The Augustinian congregation manages and runs the centuries-old church in the central Philippines.
The church compound has been closed to the public since May 25 after suspected COVID-19 cases were detected inside the convent.
Two weeks later, test results confirmed that five of the church’s personnel were infected with the disease but remained asymptomatic.
Father Rivera said the reopening date along with the guidelines and precautionary measures for all devotees and pilgrims will be announced soon.
“We thank the public for the whole-hearted support, understanding and for all the undying prayers offered,” said the priest.
The city of Cebu has just shifted to a “modified enhanced community quarantine” on July 16 after being placed under the strictest lockdown restrictions for 15 days due to the growing number of COVID-19 cases.
