Family warns others about short visits after losing mom and dad to COVID-19 days before Christmas

CHICAGO – What was meant to be a simple haircut cost the life of a husband and wife a few days before Christmas. Now, his son hopes his story will serve as a cautionary tale for those who wish to celebrate the holiday with their loved ones.

The Chicago family was heartbroken after several relatives were infected with COVID-19 in just a short visit.

The family hopes that their tragic story of caution will serve as a warning to others.

After 59 years of marriage, Mike and Carol Bruno died 10 days apart after fighting the coronavirus. Mike passed away on Wednesday night.

“We never thought it would happen to our family and it did, and this virus is really relentless and attacks in very cruel ways,” said Joe, son of Mike and Carol.

Joe said that he, along with his brother, sister and husband, also contracted the virus.

The family tragedy began with a haircut on November 20.

“My sister works at a beauty salon and, just before Thanksgiving, my sister took a COVID test and was negative, and she was quarantined for three or four days after she was negative. I needed to cut her hair and she said: am I not just going to come by and cut your hair so you don’t have to go into the salon? ”recalled Joe.
Joe’s sister brought her mother with her to her apartment.

“I didn’t hug my mom; I didn’t hug my sister. My sister cut my hair, she was masked and all the windows were open,” said Joe. “We stayed apart in my apartment and then they left. They lasted about 40-45 minutes. Later that night, my sister started to experience symptoms and about three days later I started to experience the symptoms,” said Joe.

Couple married for more than 47 years dies due to moments of separation from COVID-19

“If I had made that sacrifice and, you know, I wouldn’t have spent, you know, 30-40 minutes with my mom – they would still be here,” he said.
“We have to double the public health measures that we know work,” said Dr. Jay Bhatt of the Medical Home Network. “So, I would think about the risk that you are putting yourself and others when you leave the house to go to a family gathering.”

The family history is a reminder of the tragedy that COVID-19 can bring and brought to many families in 2020.

“I think what gives us peace is knowing that my father did not know that my mother had passed away,” said Joe. “Knowing that they split up less than 10 days ago is a beautiful thing. And, you know, I would give anything to bring them back, but I’m very happy that they are together again.”