Family of Sunderland mum battling coronavirus speak of 'positive steps' as woman's condition remains stable

A Sunderland woman confirmed to be the city’s first diagnosed case of coronavirus remains in a stable condition in hospital, her family say.
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The woman, who is in her 60s and from the Pennywell area, was taken to South Tyneside District Hospital with breathing difficulties more than a week ago.

Doctors went on to diagnose her with coronavirus. She has been in an induced coma since then whilst receiving treatment.

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Her partner and daughter have been self-isolating at home for the last 14 days, but are not displaying any symptoms.

The woman is receiving treatment at South Tyneside District Hospital.The woman is receiving treatment at South Tyneside District Hospital.
The woman is receiving treatment at South Tyneside District Hospital.

The family do not wish to be named at this time.

He said: “She is still sedated but her condition is stable. Doctors have lowered her oxygen levels and they are now trying to get her to breathe for herself.

“It is positive steps.”

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He continued: “My dad and sister are still not showing signs of having the illness but are still in isolation until Thursday.

“It's hard because we can’t see her but are getting updates from the hospital each night.

“We don’t want to ring them that often though as we don’t want to take staff off the wards.

“I think its going to be a long haul situation. All we can do is follow the advice given to us.”

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Following the Sunderland mum’s positive COVID-19 test the family spoke of how they were ‘bamboozled’ as to how their relative had contracted the illness.

They said she rarely left Sunderland, had never been abroad and spent much of her time at home.

Coronavirus (COVID-19) cases were first reported in Hubei Province, China, in December 2019.

Symptoms include fever and a cough that may progress to pneumonia causing shortness of breath and breathing difficulties.

Anyone with symptoms should use the 111 online service, but should not visit a GP surgery, pharmacy or hospital.