The husband and daughter of a Sunderland mum fighting for life after being diagnosed with coronavirus are out of self-isolation and are symptom free
The woman, in her 60s, from the Pennywell area of Sunderland, became the first person in the city to be diagnosed with the virus two weeks ago.
Her son said she first started showing signs of a cold but by March 5 she "was gasping for air and struggling to breathe".
She later tested positive for coronavirus and has been in an induced coma at South Tyneside District Hospital.
Her husband and sister, who live with her in their family home, have been in self-isolation since she was taken into hospital - but today they have been allowed out of the house and are symptom free.
Her son said: "They have no symptoms at all, which is just bizarre. My mum had no underlying health conditions - but did take a lot of anti inflammatory tablets as she had arthritis in her knees.
"They are well, but extremely worried about mam. We still can't see her. She's still in a coma"
He said medical staff were working round-the-clock to help his mum.
He added: "We phone twice a day, but every time we ring they have to come away from the ward to take the calls - so even though we are worried, we try not to ring too much. They've been fantastic. They are heroes.
"They are still working to try to get her off the ventilator, but it's going to take some time."
He added that the family have been overwhelmed with the messages of support from friends and strangers.
He said: "We've had hundreds of messages. It's been overwhelming support and we can't thanks people enough. It's amazing to know so many people are thinking of my mam and wishing her well."
The woman, who is in her 60s, remains in a stable condition and it's hoped she will improve when her 10-day course of drugs is over.
He previously expressed his heartbreak at not being able to see his mother: "The hardest thing about all this is not being able to go and see my mother. I'm not allowed to visit her, she is being kept in isolation. That's the hardest part of all.
"We have, however, been getting lots of messages of support. People have been sending messages saying they hope she will get better soon, and that's a big help."
Symptoms of the virus include fever and a cough that may progress to pneumonia causing shortness of breath and breathing difficulties.
Anyone with symptoms should use the 111 online service, but should not visit a GP surgery, pharmacy or hospital.
