By Teddy Cambosa

The Archdiocese of Manila has announced that the Congregation of the Religious of the Virgin Mary located in Quezon City, Metro Manila had a COVID-19 outbreak, which infected 130 people inside the convent, including Cardinal Jose Advincula of Manila.

The outbreak follows the prior update of 62 nuns of the convent testing positive for the virus.

In a statement September 17, the Archdiocese stated that despite having a slight fever, the Cardinal doesn’t feel any more symptoms. “He is in quarantine, observing strict protocols. Doctors are also monitoring his condition,” they stated.

Aside from the nuns who tested positive, at least 50 of the convent’s staff — caregivers, health aides, and drivers — also tested positive for the disease.

Aside from this congregation, another congregation known as the Holy Spirit Sisters, also reported 22 COVID cases and one death.

Both congregations, according to the local government of Quezon City, have been in lockdown and an investigation is on the way on how the nuns were infected in the first place.

According to initial reports, the nuns were waiting to get fully vaccinated, yet the staff members have already been fully vaccinated.

“We seldom leave the convent. But from time to time we allow fully vaccinated visitors to visit especially if they are family members of our elderly sisters,” read the congregation’s statement.

Teddy Cambosa is a graduating BS Biology student and a former campus journalist at Batangas State University.