Couple married for 35 years spend ‘heavenly isolation’ together

An elderly couple who recently recovered from Covid-19 said the days spent in Isolation was like a second honeymoon.

Western Cape premier, Alan Winde shared the couple’s story on social media on Tuesday.

Jacob, 67 and Valerie, 71 are back to their home in Cape Town healthy after spending several days in an isolation facility.

Jacob, who is wheelchair-bound and has diabetes and hypertension, tested positive after experiencing breathing difficulties at home in Surrey Estate, and decided to go to an isolation facility.

Valerie later tested positive, and the Western Cape health department team decided that she joins her husband in isolation.

Jacob told Winde that the isolation facility was wheelchair-friendly,the staff were helpful and in there, the love for his wife grew stronger..

“I have called this place ‘heaven’ because the staff wore white outfits, they treated us well, the other people using the service were friendly and everyone was laughing and made me feel comfortable.”

Valerie added that they were given healthy meals in large quantity and sometimes, they had to share.

“After all, it is not right for a wife to be in a strange place without her husband,” she said. “The staff were so helpful. They made arrangements to have me isolate in a double room with my husband.”

Jacob said he was elated when his wife joined him in the isolation. While in isolation, he was able to get out of his wheelchair and use a walker, something he had previously struggled with.

They both appreciated the health care workers for their concerned about their general well being.