Twelve cloistered Carmelite nuns have tested positive for COVID-19 after an outbreak at a monastery in Rizal province.
Another six nuns received negative test results at the monastery in Tanay town, the Carmelites said in a statement released on Sept. 23.
“At present, we can be considered as mild cases and symptomatic,” they said. “Your prayers will be very much appreciated,” read the nuns’ statement
The Carmelites said they are all fully vaccinated except one who is taking oral chemotherapy.
They also assured their prayers for the sick with Covid-19 and those who are struggling from the pandemic.
“Let us take courage because God is with us,” they said.
“What He wills will always be the best and what He allows will always turn to the best because He is all love and mercy and all His actions are all love and mercy.”
The Department of Health (DOH) on Saturday reported 16,907 new COVID-19 infections as four laboratories failed to submit data on time.
According to the DOH, this brought the nationwide tally to 2,470,175.
The country’s active cases also rose to 165,092, of which 81.3% are mild, 13.3% are asymptomatic, 1.6% are severe, and 0.7% are in critical condition.
The DOH also announced that total recoveries climbed to 2,267,678 after 27,120 more patients recovered from the illness.
Meanwhile, the country’s intensive care unit beds for COVID-19 patients remain at high risk. High risk means the occupancy rate is more than 70% but less than 85%.
Around 76% of the total 4,400 ICU beds in the country are occupied while 76% of the 1,600 beds in the National Capital Region (NCR) are in use.
Data also showed that 70% of the 16,000 ward beds in the Philippines are being utilized while 68% of the 4,500 ward beds in NCR are in use.
