Hemlock Farms couple survives COVID-19

Lorraine Klein says she was worried about her husband, Steve, more than herself. But it turned out they both had COVID-19 at the same time.

The Hemlock Farms couple, both in their 70s, were both feeling poorly, but Steve had a fever and trouble breathing. Still, one day after calling an ambulance for her husband, Lorraine found herself being admitted to the same unit on Wayne Memorial Hospital’s COVID-19 containment floor.

While Steve was in the hospital longer – nine days compared to Lorraine’s seven — neither had to be put on a ventilator.

“I was so nervous about the disease,” says Lorraine, who has asthma. "But I actually felt better in the hospital because everything was there if anything went wrong.”

Steve was discharged on oxygen and three weeks later was able to walk short distances without it.

The couple is originally from Queens, N.Y., but they have lived in Pike County since 1998. They suspect they picked up the virus on a cruise, which ended with a flight back into New York City on Jan. 29. They’re just glad they survived it.

“The care at Wayne Memorial was excellent,” says Lorraine. "The staff was just amazing.”

The Kleins had a checkup on April 30, and both were told they’re doing just fine.