SWEETWATER COUNTY — One of Sweetwater County’s COVID-19 Coronavirus patients spoke out about his experience with COVID-19 during a Sweetwater County COVID-19 Emergency Operations Center press briefing on Wednesday afternoon.
Parker Gardner was identified as the eighth positive case in Sweetwater County on Saturday. Gardner is one of three employees at Santa Fe Southwest Grill who tested positive for COVID-19. The young man shared his experience with the public and provided some insight into what life is like now.
In order to prevent the spread of the virus, Gardner said he did his best to follow the CDC’s guidelines. He wanted to avoid passing the virus to his family and coworkers. As a result, he noted that he had worn a mask while out in public and sanitized everything before making contact with an item. Despite those efforts, Gardner still caught the virus.
“It’s just really weird that I tested positive because I didn’t think it would happen,” Gardner said.
Gardner said that he first suspected that his allergies were bothering him. He was eventually called in for testing after another Santa Fe Southwest Grill employee tested positive for COVID-19. To his surprise, the results came back positive.
The allergy-like symptoms have now worsened over the last two days. Gardner said he has a raspy throat, cough and sinus congestion. There has been no official fever, but he has felt warm. Sensitive eyes and pains in his sides from trying to breathe have been the worst symptoms he’s experienced, however, those symptoms have usually only bothered him in the morning.
Gardner has now been quarantined for four days. With a surplus of spare time on his hands, he said that he’s managed to get a lot of homework done. When he’s not completing school assignments, he’s built his bond with his brother through video games.
As for his advice to the public, Gardner said to “stay home.”
If you have tested positive for COVID-19 and would like to share your story with the community, email [email protected]
THE LATEST COVID-19 CORONAVIRUS NEWS & INFO FROM THE WYOMING DEPT. OF HEALTH
What to do if you feel sick: If you think you have been exposed to COVID-19 and are showing symptoms, please call your primary care provider or seek medical attention.
Please follow these tips to slow the spread of this virus:
- Follow Public Health Orders
- Practice social distancing of 6 feet or more.
- Wear cloth face coverings in public settings, especially when physical distancing of at least 6 feet isn’t available.
- Stay home when sick and avoid other people unless you need medical attention.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Older people and those with health conditions that mean they have a higher chance of getting seriously ill should avoid close-contact situations.
- Long-term care and healthcare facilities should follow guidelines for infection control and prevention.
For current news, updates, closures and resources, please visit our COVID-19 Coronavirus page here.
