'Mam is holding steady' – family of Sunderland woman battling coronavirus reveal hopes over new drug treatment

The woman, from Pennywell, was said to have been diagnosed with COVID-19 after struggling with her breathing.

On Monday, March 9, Public Health England confirmed that one adult had tested positive for Covid-19 in Sunderland, making it the first case of coronavirus in the city.

The woman, said to be in her 60s, was taken to hospital for examination where she tested positive for the condition.

Since then, she has been put into an induced coma and is receiving treatment at South Tyneside District Hospital.

Following her diagnosis, family members said the news has come as a shock, saying that she had never been abroad and spends the majority of time at her Sunderland home.

The family, who do not want to be named at this time, expressed hopes that a new drug treatment their relative is receiving will see her turn a corner towards overcoming the illness.

Speaking to the Echo, the patient’s son said: “Mam is still holding steady and in coma.

“She has been started on some new drugs, so hopefully will see a bit improvement in the next few days.”

Two members of the family who saw the woman while she was unwell are also said to have been told to isolate themselves for 14 days.

Since the diagnosis, the family has been overwhelmed by support from well-wishers in the community.

The patient’s son continued: “We are managing best we can in these circumstances. My dad and little sister are doing fine showing no signs of coronavirus.”

Cases of coronavirus were first reported in Hubei Province, China, in December 2019 and further cases have been confirmed around the world.

Symptoms include fever and a cough that may progress to pneumonia causing breathing difficulties.

Anyone with the above symptoms is urged to use the 111 online coronavirus service to find out what to do next, but should not visit a GP surgery, pharmacy or hospital.