Left: Fr Paul Lo (Image SHC Facebook) and Fr Felix Chung back at Emmaus Home
By Agnes Chai
Jan 8 2021
KOTA KINABALU – Fr Felix Chung, the first documented case of priest infected with COVID-19 in Kota Kinabalu was released from the hospital Jan 6, just over a month since he was taken to Queen Elizabeth Hospital for quarantine.
Fr Chung, 83, retired from active priestly ministry, lives at Emmaus Home which is situated within the compound of the Sacred Heart Cathedral. The retired priest is known for his service to the poor and needy, and his ready availability to all who need a priestly presence and counsel in their moments of need.
Archbishop John Wong, following the advice from the Health Ministry, has given instructions to the parish to see to it that visitors are to be barred from Emmaus Home.
Meanwhile, the second priest to be infected by COVID-19, Fr Paul Lo was also discharged from the hospital Jan 7. He was admitted for quarantine on Jan 1. The Cathedral parish priest would be completing the rest of his quarantine at home in the rectory, and would not be available to visitors or parishioners during this duration.
As required by the authorities, the assistant priests and staff living at the rectory, have undergone their first swabs for which they were tested negative. They would be undergoing their second test in due course.
The church, parish office and the surroundings have since been sanitised, and the Cathedral is expected to reopen as scheduled on Jan 16 with the Sunset Mass. During the closure, all parish activities have been banned but daily and Sunday Masses continue to be offered through live streaming from the parish’s Facebook and YouTube channel platforms.
The parish acknowledged with gratitude the prayers for the recovery of the infected priests, and the cooperation from all concerned to do all possible to curb the spread of the coronavirus.
