By Matters India Reporter
Karimban, Aug 28, 2020: Bishop John Nellikunnel of Idukki and six priests residing in the bishop’s house have been tested positive.
Bishop Nellikunnel is the first prelate to be test Covid positive in Kerala, a southern Indian state.
A press note from Father Jose Plachickal, the diocesan public relations officer, says the bishop and the priests are now undergoing treatment in the Covid ward of Fortunatus (formerly St John’s) Hospital in Kattappana, a major town in Idukki district and some 30 km southeast of Karimban, the diocesan headquarters.
The press note says the diocesan curia and all related offices would not function until further notice.
The PRO also urges people, who had visited the diocesan headquarters in the past few days, to go into 14-day quarantine, as directed by the state government.
Another source said that all students of the diocesan minor seminary in Thadiyambad have undergone Covid tests.