KNYSNA NEWS - Celebrating the small things in life has become a big deal for Knysna's coronavirus patients.

"For the first time since contracting the virus, I tasted the lemon in our hot lemon, honey and ginger mix we are drinking to soothe the symptoms, and tasted the vanilla in the yogurt I ate. These are things we take for granted under normal circumstances," Candace Myers said.

Candace and her husband, Knysna Ward 10 councillor Peter Myers, contracted Covid-19 while on a recent trip abroad where they attended their godson's wedding in Switzerland and thereafter went sightseeing in Prague and Vienna.

The couple, who arrived back on home soil on 13 March, say they immediately went into self-isolation as a precautionary measure. It was not long after their arrival that the two started showing symptoms of the virus and later tests confirmed the worst.

Candace said the symptoms included horrific fever and body aches and between day eight and nine, Peter developed a chest infection and found it very difficult to breathe. "It was a dark and awful place we found ourselves in. We are very happy to be alive."

She said eating has been very difficult. "It became a job. We ate because we needed to. Peter has lost more than 6.5kg over this period."

Candace added that this week both of them are feeling much better and Peter's chest infection has started clearing up.

While the physical suffering has been intense for the couple, Candace said the emotional trauma of not having contact with their 12-year-old daughter has been excruciating. "My daughter had a nightmare a few nights ago and all she wanted to do was to come to us, but she couldn't."

The couple has been confined to a room in their house during the course of the self-isolation process, while her brother, who fetched them at the George Airport, and their daughter have been living in the rest of the house to minimise contact with them and the rest of society as a precautionary measure. "They have been issued with charts and thermometers to keep a close eye on their health, but thankfully they have not shown any signs of having contracted the virus," said Candace.

Candace emphasised once more that they have not been in contact with anyone since their arrival, despite rumours to the contrary.

She explained that they went to their doctor's rooms, but remained in the car and were shown to the garden where the doctor showed up, in protective gear, to do their test.

They were also at a local pathology lab which they contacted before arrival. A nurse, also in protective gear, met them outside and assisted them there.

She said despite the rumours, most friends, family members and community members have been massively supportive.

"We have been overwhelmed with calls, messages and other gestures including the dropping-off of food, magazines, dog food and even a few Corona beers."

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