A man who was part of the funeral home COVID-19 cluster told his story publicly today.
Bill Woolridge picked up the virus after the March 12 passing of his brother-in-law, Edward Tobin. Visitation at the funeral home occurred March 15 and 16, while the funeral service was held in the chapel on the 17.
Woolridge says his symptoms began with pressure in his forehead that he initially dismissed as a sinus infection. A few days later he started to experience fever and chills and called 811, who asked that he self-isolate and exercise physical distancing from his wife—who never picked up the illness.
“Please understand the importance of physical distancing and good hand hygiene, it may save your life or the life of a loved one.”
– Bill Woolridge. @VOCMNEWS #covid19nfld
— Ben Murphy (@VOCMBen) April 23, 2020
He was diagnosed after being notified by a family member that someone who tested positive attended the funeral home. He says his symptoms got increasingly worse, including fever, chills, cough, and fatigue. For six consecutive days his fever ranged from 100°F to 101°F with excessive night sweats and chills. When he started to improve, he felt well in the morning, but the symptoms got worse through the course of the day.
Twenty-five members of his family were diagnosed in the end.
Two friends who paid their respects to the family also tested positive, one of whom was hospitalized for five days.
Managed the fever the best he could with Tylenol, as symptoms wore off he felt better in the mornings but would get more tired and feel worse in the afternoon/evenings.
He and his wife were re-tested on April 6th and both tested negative.
Woolridge says he’s feeling great.
— Ben Murphy (@VOCMBen) April 23, 2020
