‘Testing positive came as a rude shock to all’

When Punjab reported the first death due to Covid-19, it was then when everyone understood the gravity of the situation. Baldev Singh from Pathlawa was the first casualty reported from the state and the incident had left the villagers in shock. Pritam Kaur (72) -mother of village sarpanch Harpal Singh, had also contracted the virus. She became the oldest Covid-19 positive person from Pathlawa to be discharged from the hospital. When she came back, she was welcomed with a siropa. Her brother Ajaib Singh, former sarpanch of nearby Usmanpur village had also donated a month's pension to hospital staff for treating his sister well. Kaur narrates her experience...

“We were already fearful because of the death of Baldev Singh, but when I was tested positive for Covid, I was taken aback. I remember losing sleep and appetite when I got to know about my report. I was then admitted to the hospital. I still remember how I spent the first night in the hospital. I was scared and nervous, nothing was cheering me up. But then, I decided to shun bad and negative thoughts cropping up in my mind and started thinking positive. 'Dil mazboot karna painda hai', then only one can conquer this disease.

“Thankfully, I had no co morbidities, and I never suffered any minor illness, too, but contracting this virus was something very shocking to me. I had minor symptoms such as cough and cold, otherwise I was alright. I seriously wish that nobody goes through this disease, where people are in isolation, away from their families. But, I am thankful to the hospital staff, who took care of me with love and compassion. I was getting medicines and food on time, and was in touch with my family members through cell phone continuously.

“There was a time during my treatment, when I was not able to talk to my daughter. I kept wondering why she never came online. It was only when I got back, that I got to know that since my reports were tested positive twice, my daughter was unable to bear this shock. This made it difficult for her to talk to me. Now, four months have elapsed since I tested positive, but I still get the jitters. But I request everyone who has contracted the virus, not to lose hope. I know it is easier said than done, but one can tide over this with his strong will.”

— As told to Aakanksha N Bhardwaj