Two other Swiss Guards test positive for coronavirus

The Pontifical Swiss Guard announced Friday that two more of its members have tested positive for the coronavirus.

The world's smallest but oldest standing army said in a statement on Oct. 23 that a total of 13 guards had contracted the virus, following testing on every member of the body.

“No guards have been hospitalized. Not all guards necessarily show symptoms such as fever, joint pain, cough and loss of smell, ”the unit said, adding that the guards' health will continue to be monitored.

"We hope for a speedy recovery so that the guards can resume service in the best possible way, in health and safety," he said.

The Vatican confirmed last week that the top four Swiss Guards had tested positive for the coronavirus.

Responding to reporters' questions on October 12, Holy See press office director Matteo Bruni said the four guards had been placed in solitary confinement following positive tests.

Citing the new measures of the Governorate of the Vatican City State to fight the virus, he explained that all guards would wear face masks, both indoors and outdoors, regardless of whether they were on duty. They would also observe all other rules intended to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

The body, which has 135 soldiers, announced on Oct.15 that seven more of its members had tested positive for the virus, bringing the total to 11.

Italy was one of the most affected countries in Europe during the first wave of coronavirus. More than 484.800 people have tested positive for COVID-19 and 37.059 have died in Italy as of October 23, according to the Johns Hopkins Coronavirus Resource Center.

Italy's health ministry said on Friday that the country recorded 19.143 new cases in 24 hours - a new daily record. About 186.002 people are currently confirmed positive for the virus in Italy, of which 19.821 in the Lazio region, which includes Rome.

Pope Francis received 38 new recruits for the Swiss Guards in an audience on 2 October.

He told them: "The time you will spend here is a unique moment of your existence: may you live it with a spirit of brotherhood, helping each other lead a meaningful and joyfully Christian life"