BRIDGEPORT—Bishop Frank J. Caggiano has resumed public ministry after quarantining for more than ten days following an initial positive test for coronavirus.
“My friends, thank you for your prayers, for your concern, and your support these past few days. I wish to share with you good news: my quarantine period is over, and with two negative COVID-19 tests, I am back in full swing,” the bishop said after receiving his second negative test for the virus.
“Thank you again for your prayers, and know of mine for you, for your families, and for an end to this pandemic.”
Throughout his quarantine, he did not experience any symptoms and continued to work. However, he followed CDC guidelines to safeguard the lives of others until testing proved it was safe for him to return.
The bishop said he is very grateful for the prayers and well wishes he received from many people across the diocese. He also asks for prayers for all those who have lost a loved one and those who are currently afflicted with the virus.
Just after Christmas the Diocese announced that the bishop had tested positive for Covid-19 during his regular weekly test of December 28. Consistent with CDC guidelines, he immediately went into quarantine and pursued follow-up testing.
News of the positive test was posted on the diocesan website and quickly spread throughout the region. During his time in quarantine, the bishop received many messages of prayerful support from the faithful
The results of his follow-up tests (PCR and antibody) taken on Wednesday, December 30 were negative and showed no antibodies to the virus. The Bishop was then advised to retake the PCR test the following week until he received a second negative result.
Bishop Caggiano was tested at the COVID-19 testing site located at Queen of Saints Hall in the Catholic Center, at 238 Jewett Avenue in Bridgeport. The Diocese partnered with Progressive Diagnostics, LLC of Trumbull, a clinical medical laboratory, in response to the urgent need for more testing sites in Fairfield County. Working with Progressive Diagnostics, the Diocese has opened additional test sites at Our Lady of Fatima Parish in Wilton and at Immaculate High School Retreat Center in Danbury.
The test sites are open to the general public. For information on Progressive Diagnostics test sites and appointments throughout Fairfield County, contact: https://progressive-diagnostics.com
Diocesan COVID-19 Policy: The Diocese has consistently followed and often exceeded all state and local recommendations and has also added a registration feature to Mass attendance, so that congregations can be notified if any who attended a service later becomes aware of a positive test. As a result, to date, there is no evidence of communal spread as a result of anyone attending Mass in the Diocese.
For more information, updates, and a complete listing of Diocesan public health and safety measures in response to the Coronavirus pandemic, visit https://www.bridgeportdiocese.org/coronavirus/home/
