The Archbishop of New Orleans has become the first US bishop to test positive for coronavirus.

“Recently, I had very mild symptoms, which included fever only. Out of an abundance of caution, I took the Coronavirus test which came back positive,” Archbishop Gregory Aymond said in a statement Monday.

At least five US priests are known to have the virus — including a Franciscan friar who died in Washington DC — but Aymond is the first bishop to confirm he has the disease, according to the Catholic News Agency.

The Archbishop said he has notified anyone he had been in close contact — and plans to be active online from his self-quarantine.

“I will use this quiet time for additional prayer and sacrifice for all those seriously affected by the virus,” he said in his statement.

“I pray to get well soon and continue ministry. In the meantime, I will be present through Facebook and the archdiocesan website with reflection on this crisis and God’s healing power,” he said.

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