Mattawa Based, Yakima Diocese Priest Tests Positive for COVID-19

Rev. Alejandro “Alex” Trejo, pastor of Our Lady of the Desert Parish in Mattawa, has tested positive for the COVID-19 coronavirus after three tests. It is unknown when he became infected, but Rev. Trejo has been hospitalized since March 1.

"He has been hospitalized for eight days with a case of pneumonia," said Rev. Monsignor Robert Siler. "We weren't sure the source of pneumonia but he was tested twice earlier this week for the coronavirus and both tests proved inconclusive. The Grant County Health District requested another test and that test came back with a positive result late last night."

Both the diocese and the Grant County Health District have started reaching out to those that could've been in close contact over the span of the last month.

"It's possible, given that our parish Our Lady of the Desert is the center of life for many people in Mattawa, that he may have transmitted the virus unwittingly at many of the Masses that are celebrated at the parish," said Rev. Siler.

He has been hospitalized at Kadlec Medical Center in Richland in a special isolation unit. According to Rev. Siler, he is recovering well and could be released in a few days to a private home. In response to Governor Jay Inslee's statewide ban on gatherings larger than 250, all public Masses are suspended.

"While some people are very upset about this, we believe it is necessary step and that ultimately it will help save lives," said Rev. Siler. "We encourage people to be patient and to be praying. We need all the prayers we can get as a church, as a community and really as the entire nation continues to overcome this pandemic."

The Yakima Diocese released his name and information in a press release as a matter of public safety.