9 Retired Nuns In Michigan Die Of COVID-19 In January: AP

MICHIGAN — Nine retired Roman Catholic nuns in southern Michigan died of COVID-19 in January, according to a report Thursday from The Associated Press.

The nuns died following an outbreak of the coronavirus in their retirement home — the Adrian Dominican Sisters in Adrian— a spokeswoman told The Associated Press.

The retirement home issued a statement earlier this month when an outbreak of the virus was reported after months of not having any COVID-19 related issues.

"The care and safety of our Sisters and Co-workers have been and remain our primary concern," the home said in its statement. "We continue to practice stringent protocols, including quarantines, to mitigate further spread of the virus.

"Our prayers rise like incense for all impacted by this global health crisis: the sick and dying, their families, and all healthcare workers and people everywhere who generously and selflessly provide essential services to each and every one of us. Please join us in this prayer."

The coronavirus has been attributed for the deaths of dozens of retired or infirm nuns who lived in congregate settings in the U.S. According to The Associated Press, eight nuns died in suburban Milwaukee last week due to complications with the coronavirus. In 2020, 12 Detroit-area nuns died in one month due to the coronavirus, beginning on Good Friday.

A spokeswoman told The Associated Press that 46 sisters have tested positive for the coronavirus, 12 cases remain active and 25 women are recovering. More than 200 sisters who are retired from active ministry live at the retirement home.