NINE elderly nuns of the Religious of the Virgin Mary (RVM) in Quezon City have succumbed to coronavirus disease (Covid-19).

The nuns, aged 79 to 98 years old, had comorbidities and were all from St. Joseph Home, a separate building in the compound that houses the elderly and infirm sisters.

The nine mortalities were among the convent’s 62 nuns who got the coronavirus.

The RVM Congregation said that aside from the mortalities, 13 others are considered severe cases, while 38 are experiencing mild or moderate symptoms of Covid-19.

Two nuns have fully recovered.

Also infected are 52 lay personnel, but 50 of them are already on the way to full recovery, the Congregation said in a statement.

It added that all the infected nuns and lay personnel are housed in one building.

"Many communities reside in different buildings in the compound, and the sisters and lay with Covid virus infection are only in one building," it said.

"The affected sisters and staff continue to be monitored and receive the treatment," the Congregation added.

It said it has been closely coordinating with the Quezon City Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit on their status and condition.

The Congregation appealed for understanding and consideration on its request for privacy for the affected nuns and staff. It said it will give updates on the patients’ condition and the general situation in the convent.

It also warned the public against proliferation of fraudulent solicitation drives that are done on behalf of the RVM Congregation.

"Those who wish to send donations or assistance are advised to coordinate directly with the RVM Secretariat through the following numbers: (02) 8723-4414; 0920-4181981," it said.

The first case in the convent was reported on September 13. The RVM convent has been placed on lockdown since September 15. (Laureen Mondoñedo-Ynot)