The Archdiocese of Boston provided updated figures on the number of priests currently affected by the coronavirus pandemic April 15.

According to chief healthcare ethicist MC Sullivan, one of the key officials managing the archdiocese's COVID-19 response, three active priests have tested positive for COVID-19, one of those being "seriously ill." As previously reported, another two priests have already recovered and completed their period of isolation.

Among retired priests, a total of 13 have now tested positive for COVID-19. Among those, one remains hospitalized, and another, Father George R. Flynn, passed away April 10 after being diagnosed. According to Sullivan, Father Flynn was already terminal and in hospice.

The other retired priests, Sullivan said, have either returned or are preparing to return to Regina Cleri.

She credited the fact that 11 of 13 retired priests are on the road to recovery to the fine care of the staff of Regina Cleri and to the protocols put in place early on to protect residents.

She also highlighted the work of the Clergy Health and Retirement Trust Care Team that actively monitors the health of priests in the archdiocese.

"It's important that people understand that these priests were being cared for before coronavirus. So, because of that structure that was in place, people could spring right into action to monitor these folks who have given such beautiful service to us," Sullivan said.