【Text/Observer Network Zhou Yibo】
In late February, Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom was declared positive for the new crown virus, which caused concern. Now, for the first time, she has said publicly that being infected with COVID-19 is really torturous.
According to the News of the New York Post on April 10, local time, Elizabeth II made a video call with the Royal Hospital in London last week to celebrate the official opening of the hospital's "Queen Elizabeth Ward".
On the phone with a covid-19 recoverer, Elizabeth II said she was glad that the other person was getting better, that the infection was really exhausting, and that "it was clear that the infection with covid-19 was frightening."
Elizabeth II makes a video call with the Royal Infirmary in London Video screenshot
According to the New York Post and the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC), Elizabeth II, who is about to turn 96, visited the Royal London Hospital by video call last week and talked about her experience of contracting the new crown virus.
At the time, a COVID-19 recovery named Assef Hussein was chatting with Elizabeth II with his wife. Hussein said he contracted COVID-19 in December 2020, used a ventilator for seven weeks during treatment, and still needed a wheelchair and oxygen after discharge.
"I remember waking my wife up and saying I didn't think there was any oxygen in the room." Hussein stood on crutches and said, "I remember sticking my head out of the window, trying to breathe, trying to get extra oxygen. ”
"I'm glad your condition has improved, it's really very tired and exhausted, isn't it?" Elizabeth II said, "This terrible (horrible) outbreak, this is really not a good thing. ”
"It's clear that being infected with COVID-19 is frightening."
When Hussein said he was having difficulty with his family during his hospitalization, Elizabeth II also said, "Of course, it is very painful not to see your loved ones." ”
According to reports, Elizabeth II made the video call mainly to celebrate the official opening of the "Queen Elizabeth Ward" of the Royal Hospital in London.
According to public information, "Queen Elizabeth Ward" is the official name of the intensive care facility on the 14th and 15th floors of the Royal London Hospital, and the use of this name was personally approved by Elizabeth II.
Alvin Williams, chief executive of the Bart Health Trust, which operates the Royal London Hospital, said the name was "a fitting tribute to the unique contribution our staff have made to the professional care of COVID-19 patients" and that "the new name also reflects the history and traditions of this hospital, which has served in East London for 280 years." ”
Video screenshot of Elizabeth II's phone call with The New Pavilion's rehabilitated Hussein (second from left) and his wife
According to the Observer Network, on February 20, local time, Buckingham Palace in the United Kingdom announced that Elizabeth II tested positive for the new crown virus, but only had "mild symptoms similar to colds". "Light work" at Windsor Castle is expected to continue in the coming week.
Elizabeth II met with Canadian Prime Minister Trudeau at Windsor Castle on March 7, her first face-to-face meeting since she contracted the coronavirus. Agence France-Presse reported that the Queen of England "looked a little weak" but did not bring crutches.
On 29 March, Elizabeth II attended an event in London in memory of her husband, Prince Philip. According to Reuters, this is her first public appearance in 5 months.
Reuters noted that queen Elizabeth has cancelled many events since she was hospitalized for one night for an unknown illness last October and was advised to rest, and the public has also expressed concern about her health.
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