Son speaks of shock after Sunderland mum diagnosed with coronavirus

A son has spoken of his shock after his mum was diagnosed with coronavirus in Sunderland.
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It has been confirmed that one person in Sunderland has tested positive for the illness.

The Echo understands this is a woman from the Pennywell area.

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And now her son has shared his shock after discovering his mum had become seriously ill from the condition, saying that she had not been abroad or had come into contact with anyone who had been abroad during the outbreak.

The patient is said to be receiving treatment at South Tyneside District Hospital.The patient is said to be receiving treatment at South Tyneside District Hospital.
The patient is said to be receiving treatment at South Tyneside District Hospital.

The family, who do not want to be named at this time, said their relative is receiving treatment at a North East hospital.

Two members of the family who saw the woman while she was unwell are also said to have been told to isolate themselves for 14 days.

Speaking to the Echo the patient’s son said: “My mum is very poorly in hospital at the moment.

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“She went to hospital on Thursday gasping for air and by Friday her condition had deteriorated.

Signs at all the entrances to York Hospital re the Coronavirus.Signs at all the entrances to York Hospital re the Coronavirus.
Signs at all the entrances to York Hospital re the Coronavirus.

“She was put into an induced coma and placed in intensive care on Saturday.

“Tests were carried out at the hospital and then at 12pm on Sunday, doctors confirmed she had coronavirus.”

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He continued: “She has not travelled whatsoever so we are all bamboozled as to where it has come from.

How the coronavirus cell looks under a microscopeHow the coronavirus cell looks under a microscope
How the coronavirus cell looks under a microscope

"She doesn’t work and is at home a lot.

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“My dad and sister are in isolation at their homes, but me and my other sister have been given the all clear by Public Health England and just told to go about our day-to-day business.

“That’s the worst thing – the fact that we can’t see her because she is in isolation.

“But they have already started treatment using a new drug and she is stable.

“We are having to just ring the hospital for updates and its just a waiting game to see if the drug works.”

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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.

More on coronavirus in our region:

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