Lipa Archbishop Gilbert Garcera has tested positive for the coronavirus disease (COVID-19).
The prelate himself revealed this in a circular letter dated March 20.
"As you have already known, some priests and I tested positive for COVID-19 after undergoing the Real-Time Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction or RT-PCR test," said Garcera.
He said at present, they are in a health-managed condition.
"While necessary medical treatment continues, I must admit that the battle against COVID-19 is far from over," said Garcera.
The prelate then asked everyone to pray for their immediate recovery as well as pray for an end to the pandemic.
"I thank all priests, religious and lay faithful for your well wishes and prayers. Once again, I am requesting all priests to offer your Masses, Holy Hours and recitation of the Rosary for our immediate recovery and end to this pandemic," said Garcera.
Other Catholic prelates have tested positive for COVID-19 but have already recovered. They are Archdiocese of Manila apostolic administrator Bishop Broderick Pabillo, retired Caloocan Bishop Deogracias Iniguez, former Manila Archbishop Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle, Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma, retired Cebu Auxiliary Bishop Antonio Rañola and Pampanga Archbishop Florentino Lavarias.