Best Friends Through COVID

With their consent, we wanted to share the story of Frank and Omer.  They met in the spring of 2019, but you would think these best friends have known each other for years. Roommates in their assisted living home, they are both described as quiet, friendly, and caring.  Living together, Frank and Omer knew they may face some challenges together, however, never imagined a pandemic would be one of them. Starting in mid-March, restrictions inside their Michigan assisted living community were implemented to slow the spread of COVID-19 to their vulnerable residents. These limitations included only essential outside visitors, scheduled time outside their apartment, and social distancing from other residents. Just as they were adjusting to these changes, Frank and Omer took part in their facility’s testing for COVID-19 and both their test results came back positive. They knew they were in a fight for their lives, but they were determined to win the fight together.

In the Fight

When diagnosed, Frank and Omer were surprised. Neither of them had shown any symptoms and were asymptomatic. According to the CDC, a “study of skilled nursing facility residents infected with SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) …demonstrated that half were asymptomatic or pre-symptomatic at the time of contact tracing evaluation and testing.” (Center For Disease Control and Prevention, 2020) 

Precautions were made, and Frank and Omer settled into quarantine together inside their apartment. When asked how they passed time during, Frank’s daughter stated that “like most people right now, they kept each other company and found things to keep them busy,” adding that their care team offered lots of in-room activities to enjoy.

Stronger Together

When the friends were re-tested, only Omer’s results came back negative. With Frank still asymptomatic, Omer could not imagine leaving his side, so they continued to stick together.  After a third test, Frank still showed a positive result for COVID-19. Although a difficult decision, this time they agreed to spend a very short time of separation as Frank overcame the illness. During this time, each continually checked on each other throughout the day and communicated with the care team to send messages back and forth. Ultimately, the day came when they both tested negative and they were united- this time as survivors. There is a reason they are part of what is called the Greatest Generation.

Too often during difficult times like these positive stories go unnoticed. This story of two best friends and how they conquered Coronavirus together should be shared and celebrated.

Surrounded by their families and their care teams, Frank and Omer were recently presented two matching trophies for winning their fight against COVID-19 and proving that we are all stronger together.

References

Center For Disease Control and Prevention. (2020, 6 2). Interim Clinical Guidance for Management of Patients with Confirmed Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19). Retrieved from www.cdc.gov: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/clinical-guidance-management-patients.html