SPENDING Christmas and New Year’s Eve in hospital was terrifying.
“Every day bodies of Covid-19 victims were pushed down the corridors to the mortuary,” said Mahlatsi Letsoane (32) from Chiawelo, Soweto.
“Nurses were overworked, visibly tired and emotional.
“Covid victims were dying all the time.”
Her journey was a hell ride of failed systems, confusion and over-
whelmed facilities.
The mother of two tested positive for Covid-19 in December after she went to see a doctor with flu-like symptoms.
“While waiting for the results my mother told me to prepare for the worst so it I can be ready to fight.”
Mahlatsi self-isolated in the room outside the main house, taking traditional herbs and vitamins.
She said it was difficult as she wasn’t allowed near her 10-month-old baby.
On 22 December she was struggling to breath and was rushed to the hospital.
“The paramedics stopped at a petrol station, having struggled to get a bed at three hospitals. After about 15 minutes she was taken to Milpark,” she said.
“I was put on a ventilator. I needed assistance from nurses to go to the toilet.
“I asked God to spare my life as I have two small children.”
Mahlatsi said her stay was longer because of a blood clot in her lung.
She was discharged on the first week of January.
She said she’s developed health issues she never had before.
She said she suffers a lot of backaches and easily gets tired.
“I get angry when I see people behaving recklessly without masks and crowding in taverns,” she said.
“Those who are infected must remain positive.”
She said she hated fake stories on social media.
