David Hart’s plea is simple following the death of his husband of 28 years: “Wear a mask!”
Hart is mourning the loss of Dr. Joseph Costa, who for months had been battling covid-19 on the front lines as chief of the critical care division at Baltimore’s Mercy Medical Center. He died on Saturday after contracting the virus himself, reports the Baltimore Sun.
“Those who cared for Joe were his best friends,” Hart told the paper.
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In a statement, Mercy Medical Center praised Costa’s commitment to his patients:
“Joe was more than a trusted colleague; he was also a true friend to many. He dedicated his life and career to caring for the sickest patients. And when the global pandemic came down upon us, Joe selflessly continued his work on the front lines — deeply committed to serving our patients and our City during this time of great need.”
Hart added that he “placed his cheek next to Costa’s and held his husband in his arms until he died” — a heartbreaking reminder of the incredibly high stakes of the pandemic.
“I keep thinking, now there is one less ICU doctor to care for pandemic patients in Baltimore,” Hart said. “I get so angry when I see people not wearing masks. It makes me want to take a bar of soap and write on my car’s rearview window that ‘My husband who saved so many lives died of COVID-19. Wear a mask!’”
Kangol2
Such a sad story. Dr. Costa was doing heroic work and wasn’t and won’t be in vain. May he rest in peace, please take his husband’s advice and wear masks, wash your hands and social distance whenever possible, and let’s hope our local officials can get their acts together to help slow and potentially stop the terrible effects of this horrific disease, since we have an abyss of leadership in the White House on this crisis and everything else.
fur_hunter
THIS is a very sad story. My heart goes out to his husband, friends and family.
Tishthedish1
Exactly what treatment was given to him to help save his life? Where there any treatments that weren’t allowed ?
Matthewnow
You both are in my prayers. Peace and Blessings.
yah_sure_youbetcha
How terribly sad. This pandemic is a tragedy on so many levels.