Update
ABERDEEN NEWS - After three days at home in isolation followed by six days in Greenacres Hospital in Port Elizabeth, an elderly man from Aberdeen was greatly relieved last week to receive the news that he is completely free of coronavirus.
The 77-year-old man, who wishes to remain anonymous, was the first resident of the Sarah Baartman District Municipality to test positive for Covid-19, contracted after touring the country with Canadian visitors in March.
He is full of praise for the treatment he has received, both from the provincial hospital in Aberdeen and the specialist isolation care at Greenacres. "Dr Muller and Dr Desemele in Aberdeen were both extremely thorough, and Aberdeen can be proud to have such dedicated professionals," he said.
On his return home, the patient was confined to his house for 14 days until the results of the follow-up test were received. "I have been overwhelmed by the support I have received from friends in Aberdeen, it has touched my heart deeply to witness people's care and compassion," he said.
"Friends dropped off meals, brought shopping and medication from Graaff-Reinet, and so many people phoned or sent messages," he added.
One thing he finds very worrying is that on his tour, he went through several border points and airports where he was scanned, but nothing was picked up. "The temperature checks meant nothing, not one of the tour group was stopped for any concerns," he said, adding that about half of the group of 27 Canadians were found to be positive on their return home.
He is getting stronger every day, although he still tires easily. Since getting the all-clear, he has been permitted to venture out, but has been told by his doctor to always wear a mask as an extra precaution.
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