Texas COVID-19: Lives shattered
Jubal and Jessica were two peas in a pod. Two twins that were inseparable, until COVID-19 tore them apart and took the life of 27 year old Jubal. As Jubal lay lifeless in his casket and covered by plexiglass due to still possibly being contagious with coronavirus, Jessica could not help but touch him while attending his viewing earlier in July.
Now she wears his ashes in her necklace.
“He meant the world, I just wish it wasn’t him.” sad Jessica who is from Hidalgo County in South Texas.
Although health experts say that there is no hard evidence that bodies are contagious, the plexiglass clad viewing of Jubal’s body is a testament to the fear and horror that is gripping Hidalgo County. Health officials say, in Texas COVID-19 is wrecking havoc and destroying lives. Earlier this month hospitals have been reaching capacity.
“It’s a tsunami what we’re seeing right now,” said Dr. Federico Vallejo, who specializes in critical care pulmonology. Dr Vallejo says he’s been treating between 50 to 60 patients per day. Sometimes Dr Vallejo’s patient caseload is as high as 70. Normally a critical care doctor sees about 15 to 20 patients per day, according to Dr Vallejo.
It’s a “massive shock” to walk through the halls of the hospital said Dr Vallejo, and he worries about the morale and mental health of his fellow colleagues who are overwhelmed with their current caseload of patients. “It’s not easy to handle something like this.” said Dr Vallejo.
Due to the dire situation of Texas COVID-19 cases, authorities in Hidalgo County threatened to criminally prosecute anyone who didn’t self quarantine after testing positive for COVID-19. Hidalgo County Judge has issued judicial “shelter at home” order to all residents.
Due to hospitals reaching full capacity, the order requires all residents to abide by curfew, limit their travel, and wear face masks.
Disclaimer: This is not medical advice. The Giving Masks team are not medical professionals, and are not qualified to provide medical opinions. Please do your own research or contact a medical professional for any decisions you need to make.
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