Brother of first person in Sunderland to be diagnosed with coronavirus tests positive days after sister's recovery

The brother of Marion Jolliff, the first person in Sunderland to beat coronavirus is now battling to beat the illness after he tested positive.
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The brother of Marion Jolliff, who was the first person in Sunderland to beat coronavirus, has tested positive for coronavirus.

Joe Jenkins, 65 from Ford Estate was rushed into Sunderland Royal Hospital on Saturday, March 28 and had no contact with his sister before he fell ill.

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His daughter, Eva Jenkins, spoke about her Dad’s symptoms. She said: “He developed a cough while he was in Spain for my parents 40th wedding anniversary.

Marion Jolliff's brother Joe, is currently being treated at Sunderland Royal Hopsital for coronavirus.Marion Jolliff's brother Joe, is currently being treated at Sunderland Royal Hopsital for coronavirus.
Marion Jolliff's brother Joe, is currently being treated at Sunderland Royal Hopsital for coronavirus.

“That lasted for a week and then he developed a temperature. I said to ring 111 and they sent an ambulance straight out for him.”

“No one is allowed to go to the hospital to see him. I’ve been told that he is very poorly.”

Eva also discussed how the past few weeks have impacted the families lives: “It’s just been a total nightmare for the whole family.

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“Both my Dad and Auntie self-isolated for two weeks when they began developing symptoms and they still both ended up in hospital.”

Marion Jolliff from Pennywell battled with coronavirus at Sout Tyneside Hospital but has now tested negative for the illnessMarion Jolliff from Pennywell battled with coronavirus at Sout Tyneside Hospital but has now tested negative for the illness
Marion Jolliff from Pennywell battled with coronavirus at Sout Tyneside Hospital but has now tested negative for the illness

Housewife Marion, 62, was in an induced coma at South Tyneside Hospital after she developed coronavirus in early March.

The grandmother from Pennywell has now tested negative for the illness, but still has not returned to full health yet and remains on a ventilator in hospital.

Eva said: “My Auntie Marion may have beaten the virus, but she still has a long way to go yet.”

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On Monday, March 30 it was confirmed that there were 22,141 positive cases of COVID-19 across the UK.

In Sunderland 86 people have tested positive for the virus and 11 people from the city have died from the illness, NHS England figures show.

Or, you can get a better look at the coronavirus figures in your area by clicking on our interactive map.

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