A haircut at home led to the death by coronavirus of a couple from Chicago who took all possible precautions before contracting the deadly virus, according to their disturbed son.
Joe Bruno said his parents, Mike and Carol Bruno, died of COVID-19 just nine days apart after the couple, who had been married for 59 years, became infected during a November 20 visit to his apartment so that he could cut his sister’s hair.
“We never thought it would happen to our family – and it did,” Bruno told WLS-TV on Thursday. “This virus is really unforgivable and attacks in really cruel ways.”
Bruno’s sister works at a beauty salon and arranged to have his hair cut before Thanksgiving at his home. She had tested negative for the virus before the home visit and had been quarantined for three or four days before, Bruno recalled.
“I needed to cut my hair and she said, ‘Well, why don’t I just show up and cut your hair so you don’t have to go into the salon?'” He said to the station.
Joe’s sister brought her mother, Carol, for the haircut, which lasted about 30 to 40 minutes, he said.
“I didn’t hug my mother, I didn’t hug my sister,” said Bruno. “My sister cut my hair, she was masked, all the windows were open. We stayed away from my apartment and then they left. “
However, later that night, Bruno’s sister felt bad and contracted the symptoms of the virus about three days later. Their mother, however, was admitted to a hospital on Thanksgiving Day, just six days after her fateful haircut, CNN reported.
Her condition initially improved and she was discharged that week, but later returned to the hospital and was placed on a ventilator. Mike Bruno, who did not go with his wife and daughter to his son’s apartment, contracted the virus about two weeks after Thanksgiving, Joe Bruno told CNN.
Carol Bruno, 79, died on December 14, according to her obituary.
“Carol was a strong woman who took care of her family and overcame many challenges throughout her life,” said the obituary. “She loved to cook, she was a dedicated wife, an incredible mother and a gracious woman.”
Nine days after his wife’s death, Mike succumbed to the virus, CNN reported. He was on the respirator when his wife passed away, the son recalled.
“I think what gives us peace is knowing that my father did not know that my mother died,” said Bruno to WLS-TV. “Knowing that they split up less than 10 days ago is such a beautiful thing. And you know, I would give anything to bring them back, but I am so happy that they are together again. “
But Bruno, who has since also tested positive for COVID-19, along with his brother, sister and husband, said he regrets his decision to cut his hair.
“If I had made that sacrifice and, you know, I wouldn’t have spent, you know, 30 to 40 minutes with my mom – they would still be here,” Bruno told WLS-TV.