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After 38 days in the hospital, he fully recovered from coronavirus

On a ventilator, struggling to breathe - This is just one patient's story.

WASHINGTON — More than a month after being diagnosed with COVID-19, a D.C. man has fully recovered from coronavirus, finally sent home after 38 days in MedStar Washington Hospital Center.

MedStar says the patient spent the majority of his time hooked up to a ventilator, with each day being a struggle to breathe and fight the virus. But with the help of the hospital staff, he was able to build strength to fully recover without being sent to a rehab facility.

"Our hearts are full of joy and gratitude as we sent home another patient who recovered from COVID-19, after 38 days in the hospital," the caption reads on a Facebook video posted by MedStar Washington Hospital Center. "So many team members were involved in his care, so he could be reunited with his family. We wish our patient the very best!"

While we don't know much more about this patient (we've reached out for an interview, which has been politely declined at this time), we celebrate his recovery and say "Thank you" to all of our frontline workers fighting the coronavirus. 

Video credit: MedStar Washington Hospital Center

DC has more than 3,800 cases of coronavirus, with more than 175 coronavirus-related deaths, including the recent death of a 17-year-old boy.

As part of the District's hospital surge plan, the city plans to make 1,600 beds available in area hospitals and 2,000 beds at the D.C. Convention Center. Bowser said 600 beds will be made available by May 1. 

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D.C will also be awarding $25 million in grants to hospitals in the city. The award will be based on the number of beds hospital will make available. Mayor Muriel Bowser said the grant will be used to fund supplies, equipment, personnel, construction, and treatment efforts.

Coronavirus 101

What precautions should you take?

  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
  • Wear a mask if you have to make an essential trip outside
  • Wash your hands often with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds.
  • Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60 percent alcohol if soap and water are unavailable.
  • Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.

Reasons to leave your home under stay-at-home order:

  • Grocery store trips
  • Medical visits or trips to the pharmacy
  • Travel to your essential job
  • Exercises such as walks, hikes or bike rides

Commonly reported symptoms of COVID-19 infection include:

  • Fever
  • Cough
  • Shortness of breath
  • Pneumonia

If you are sick or suspect you are infected, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends taking the followings steps:

  • Stay home except to get medical care
  • Avoid public areas, including work or school
  • Avoid public transportation
  • Separate yourself from other people and animals in your home
  • Contact your doctor via telemedicine for more guidance

RELATED: Coronavirus: Here are the symptoms

Check the status of the virus in your state with your state health department's websites by tapping below:

RELATED: DC coronavirus updates: Mayor Bowser announces leadership to reopen DC, shares details on hospital surge plan

RELATED: DC couple wins battle against coronavirus while welcoming a new baby

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