Self-isolation amid COVID-19
TWO HALIFAX men and a woman suffering with emphysema are self-isolating due to the coronavirus outbreak in Calderdale.
Harry Smith, 23, and Matt Ward, 28, have quarantined themselves at their homes after showing the early signs of Coronavirus (COVID-19), including nausea, headaches, coughing, and sore throats.
People across Calderdale have been advised, or are choosing, to self-isolate after fears of catching the deadly disease, including 63-year-old Caroline Devin, who celebrated her birthday quarantined alone in her own home last week.
She said: “I have a cough and sore throat but I’ve had that for a long time because I suffer from emphysema. “It was my daughter Rebecca Walker,37, who said I should self-isolate because she’s worried I’d easily catch the virus. “I’m terrified because if I did catch it there’s no way I would survive.”
Father-of-one Mr Smith, who lives near North Bridge, works as a DJ and said he was working in Koko’s Bar, on Bull Green, on February 14 when he suddenly had to leave the venue to be sick outside around midnight.
He said: “I felt fine all night and then I had to go outside to get some air, and then I just suddenly threw up. “I’d not had any alcohol, only water, but I was shaking hands with people all night.
“My partner picked me up around 1am on Sunday morning and I’ve been isolating myself since. “I’ve had a headache and a sore throat, and I’ve been recommended to self-isolate for two weeks.”
Mr Ward, from the Savile Park area, is an apprentice electr of Halifax, said he has been enduring the same symptoms as Mr Smith.
He said: “I’ve been self-isolating since March 12 after suffering with a headache, a cough, and a very sore throat. “My main worry is that I’m on an apprenticeship and won’t be paid during the time I take off work. “I go to Kirklees College for my apprenticeship and there was a student who was sent home - so I think I’ve got it that way. “I’m asthmatic too which I’m aware can aggravate the symptoms so I’m trying to remain careful. “I’d recommend others to stay away the public if they are feeling these symptoms - it’s not worth the risk.”
Ms Devin, who is listening to the advice from Public Health England, spoke about her weeklong self-isolation experience.
She said: “I feel like a prisoner in my own home. It’s depressing and heartbreaking because I miss my daughter and grandchildren.”
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