A Louisville firefighter who exposed to COVID-19 in paintings ended up in the hospital less than two weeks after giving positive.
Kelly Alexander, staff leader of the state’s fitness department, spoke at Governor Andy Beshear’s briefing Tuesday about her husband, Josh Alexander, whom she said was fit and had no fitness disorders before testing positive for the virus.
The 40-year-old firefighter tested positive after symptoms appeared by adding high fever, shortness of breath and a “terrible cough. “
“Josh’s condition continued to decline,” Kelly Alexander said. “Her symptoms are relentless. “
On October 20, he entered the hospital with acute respiratory failure, pneumonia from both lungs and inflammation of the liver.
He’s come home, Alexander said, but he’s still out of the woods.
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“Before COVID-19, I was very healthy, enjoying the walks and the outdoors,” he says, “but now I couldn’t even communicate without running out of breath or having a cough attack. “
Alexander’s mother-in-law, who was visiting, also tested positive and was eventually hospitalized, she said.
“It’s not just numbers,” he says. They’re parents. They’re mothers, they’re husbands. They are friends, circle of family and neighbors. “
Alexander stated that she had been exposed, having been away from home because of work.
“Coronavirus affects everyone differently, but one thing is for sure: it’s not something you have to pass on to those you enjoy, and it’s not something you need to see those who enjoy suffering,” he said.
Beshear said Alexander’s story shows the effect COVID-19 can have on families.
With a record number of cases reported over the following week, Kentucky is in a record new case.
“We have more COVID than ever before,” Beshear said, “and we want more for those who are going through difficult times and those who have lost than ever before. “
In addition: Kentucky sets COVID-19 case record for third time in last 7 days
Contact Emma Austin on eaustin@gannett. com or Twitter at @emmacaustin.