Cubao Bishop Honesto Ongtioco and all priests in his diocese underwent rapid tests for coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) on Monday, July 6.
"All (test) results of our priests and staff in my residence plus some in the chancery are negative. Praise God," added Ongtioco.
In an interview, Ongtioco said the rapid tests were conducted to ensure their safety as well as the safety of the people they serve.
"This is to ensure that we are fit to serve our people and (that we) also (ensure) their safety and health," he said.
The rapid test was also conducted in preparation for the upcoming resumption of public masses.
The Inter Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases earlier allowed churches under general community quarantine (GCQ) to hold religious services up to 10 percent capacity of the venue starting July 10.
According to Ongtioco, they are just waiting for clearance from the city hall for the resumption of masses.
"This morning our Vicar General had a meeting with Mayor (Josefina) Joy (Belmonte) to get clearance in order to resume our public masses following government protocol. Hopefully, by the weekend July 11, Saturday (we can resume)," he said.
Dioceses suspended public masses last March after the government imposed the enhanced community quarantine due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
"This morning our Vicar General has a meeting with Mayor Joy (Belmonte) to get clearance in order to resume our public masses following government protocol. Hopefully, by the weekend July 11, Saturday (we can resume)," he said.
Dioceses suspended public masses last March after the government imposed the enhanced community quarantine due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Meanwhile, the Our Lady of Miraculous Medal Parish (OLMMP) in Quezon City on Saturday, July 4, announced that the swab tests conducted on their priests and personnel turned negative for COVID.
"With great joy and gratitude in our hearts, we inform you of the favorable results of the swab tests conducted last week for our Parish Priest, Father Nelson (Orqueta) our guest priest, Fr. Adlai (Barrie) and all Parish personnel --- (all of them tested) negative for COVID!" OLMMP said in their Facebook page.
"We would also like to give our profound gratitude to those who participated in the 9- day Novena to Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal and those who offered their prayers for their health and protection and to those who provided assistance during their quarantine period," it further read.
On June 25, the OLMMP announced its temporary closure for two weeks after one of their staff tested positive for COVID-19.