A dad from Tennessee has found himself in the thick of the coronavirus mayhem after being labelled ‘patient zero’.
As per reports, Chris Baumgartner’s life has had quite the drastic change over the past few weeks. He was diagnosed as his state’s first case of COVID-19 and whilst his is on “the mild end of the spectrum” he says it has exacted a mental toll on his family.
The 44-year-old, who lives in Williamson County, is still in recovery from the virus, and said on Facebook it has given him a fresh appreciation for “those who live under the cloud of stigma every single day of their lives”.
His post reads: “Imagine having to confront a virus, so feared, it now has the entire world on the brink of mass hysteria, while at the same time, being forced to deal with irrational panic, people demanding to know if you are the ‘one’, where you live, and if you might have somehow infected their child or family.“
On the more positive realizations to come of his ordeal, he said: “Something incredible happens when fear and anxiety are replaced with acts of kindness and compassion… inside us all lies the ability to decide how we choose to deal with the fear of the unknown, how we decide determines whether fear wins out or humanity shines through”.
He added: “They’ve brought us meals, groceries, cards, books and games to pass the time under quarantine, and even drawings, paintings, and handmade get-well cards from their kiddos, (which we have absolutely loved!). These incredible acts of kindnesss have come from those we know, BUT MANY from those we DON’T know as well, all acting on their own accord.
They weren’t representing a specific church or organized group, yet the central message they all conveyed has been the same: You are not alone. We are here for you. Even more… every single act of kindness, every single message, every single call we’ve received, have all ended with the same five words: We are praying for you! All.Of.Them!“
As per the state’s Department of Health, there have thus far been 52 reported cases of coronavirus in Tennessee. The U.S. as a whole, meanwhile, has had 4,226 cases, resulting in 75 deaths.
What crazy times we’re living in. We want everyone to follow the advice of their government and make sure you aid the cause with regards to stopping the spread of coronavirus.
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