In an essay published on GMA News Online, i-Witness documentarist Howie Severino narrated his struggles and experiences as a COVID -19 patient in a piece entitled I am Patient 2828.
Severino said he spent nine days in the hospital with “a bout of pneumonia and a major scare.”
He also described it as the loneliest disease in human history, even comparing it to leprosy, “This disease is one of the most stigmatized and loneliest in human history, perhaps comparable only to leprosy where quarantine can be forever.”
For him, it is his responsibility as a survivor to tell his first-hand experience to further inform people about the coronavirus.
“Those of us among the pioneers — I’m Patient 2828 in the lower part of the curve – have a responsibility to talk about this experience in a way that will enable the public to understand it, lessen the fear, and create compassion for those who survived COVID-19.”
Severino reminded that we shouldn’t just believe that having Covid-19 will immediately equate to death, “COVID-19 need not be a death sentence. I am living proof. A combination of good fortune, physical fitness and competent medical treatment probably saved my life. Don’t believe all the statistics. One false impression is that the fatalities outnumber the recoveries, artificially bloating the case fatality rate.”
And lastly, Howie thanked the frontliners for helping him win his battle against COVID-19 and said they are the true heroes of this pandemic crisis.
“Frontliners are true heroes, but many more have chosen to stay out of harm’s way. One can’t blame them considering the risks and discrimination.”
ABS-CBN Broadcast journalist Karen Davila, Jing Castaneda, Rhea Santos and other journalists, celebrities and netizens sent him their good wishes for being able to conquer the COVID-19 battle.
So glad you're well @Howieseverino https://t.co/ZDvqGX9oHp
— Jaemark Tordecilla (@jaemark) April 7, 2020
Oh my! @Howieseverino good to know you are OK 🙏🏻 Thank God!! https://t.co/PPJQqJuA6D
— Karen Davila (@iamkarendavila) April 7, 2020
This is one #Covid19PH article I would love to read; patients have stories too. Not just a statistic.
https://t.co/Eff7nWQeZ2— Ralph Calinisan (@ralph_calinisan) April 7, 2020
Beautifully written, please read it
Get well soon, Sir Sevhttps://t.co/EEsOV2V58A
— rob cham (@robcham) April 7, 2020
A personal story that instructs and inspires, that broadens perspective and raises collective hopes. Thanks very much for this, @Howieseverino! #COVID19PH https://t.co/nvstSTwFMD
— John Nery (@jnery_newsstand) April 7, 2020
https://twitter.com/dannomariquit/status/1247444139081252865
Prayers for you Sir @Howieseverino!
— Jules Guiang (@julesguiang) April 7, 2020
Because our humanity is greater than our networks. Thank you for telling your story @howieseverino. Thank God you are well! #Happinews
For those who are going through #Covid19.. This will help. https://t.co/yUYeLnnaQN
— Gretchen (@gretchenho) April 7, 2020
You beat COVID-19 @Howieseverino ! Happy to hear this. ❤️ https://t.co/W4gpz7PxJc
— Rhea Santos (@MsRheaSantos) April 7, 2020
God bless you @Howieseverino 🙏🏼✨💕
— Pia Magalona ⁷ (@piamagalona) April 7, 2020
https://twitter.com/margadeona/status/1247444064665923584
Mabuhay ka @Howieseverino 🙏Thank God you’re now safe 🙏 ♥️💙💚🇵🇭 https://t.co/pWjl9aVOEo
— Jing Castañeda (@JINGCASTANEDA) April 7, 2020
Salamat po sir howie severino SA pag share.. god bless you at Ingats po.. PLS READ 🙏❤️👍 https://t.co/q9J1f8qC5t
— carmela brosas (@kbrosas) April 7, 2020
Such an inspiring story, @Howieseverino! I’m so glad you overcame COVID-19. Praying for your complete recovery.#coronavirus #COVID19 #pandemichttps://t.co/YSvt4pQ7A1
— Joey Alarilla Is Dead (@joeyalarilla) April 7, 2020
