Coronavirus: Denmead woman with cystic fibrosis 'laughed at' for wearing mask in supermarket

The pair, who live in Denmead, took a trip to Lidl in Waterlooville in masks, on Tuesday afternoon following a four-week isolated hospital stay in Southampton General Hospital for Chelsie, due to an exacerbation of a chest infection.

But the couple say they were laughed at and one man even tried to take a photo.

Chelsie said: ‘It was absolutely awful and so embarrassing. I was so excited to go outside after being in isolation but now I really don’t want to.

‘For us wearing masks is just part of our life and usually if we are out people do stare at that and if I have equipment like my oxygen or my wheelchair but this is different. It is nasty and people are mocking us or making comments and laughing.

‘One man tried to take a photo of Glyn when he was getting a trolley but when he saw me looking then he put his phone down and looked rather sheepish.

‘It is really horrible because it is really serious for me. Two years ago I got the flu and it almost killed me. It is important Glyn doesn’t get ill either as he is my carer.’

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Glyn put up a post on Facebook in a bid to help people understand why they, and others, may wear masks and in the last 48 hours, more than 160,000 have seen the post and the couple have received an outpouring of love from people all around the world.

The 32-year-old, who is studying a masters at The University of Portsmouth, said: ‘I put the post up because I was so frustrated with the way people have behaved. I went out yesterday and someone ran up and started coughing all over me. It isn’t funny because it could be a difference between life and death.

‘We have had loads of lovely comments which is great but a lot of people have told us we have the wrong masks but the issue is we can’t get the preferred ones at the moment because so many people are buying them. For us any type of mask is better than no mask.’

The Department of Health and Social Care announced yesterday (March 13) that in the UK 798 people had tested positive for Covid-19 and 10 people, who tested positive for the virus, have died.

SEE ALSO: University of Portsmouth suspends face-to-face teaching amid ‘unprecedented’ coronavirus outbreak

Chelsie added: ‘I don’t think people are taking it seriously enough. Although to the main healthy public they could be fine, people like me with a low immune system are at risk.

‘My life is shortened as it is and we wait every day for the inevitable but I wouldn’t want something silly like a cold or cough or even the coronavirus to end it earlier so I want people to think about others when they have something to say.’

For more information and advice on coronavirus for people with cystic fibrosis visit cysticfibrosis.org.uk/news/coronavirus-qa

Coronavirus: the facts

What is coronavirus?

COVID-19 is a respiratory illness that can affect lungs and airways. It is caused by a virus called coronavirus.

What caused coronavirus?

The outbreak started in Wuhan in China in December 2019 and it is thought that the virus, like others of its kind, has come from animals.

How is it spread?

As this is such a new illness, experts still aren’t sure how it is spread. But.similar viruses are spread in cough droplets. Therefore covering your nose and mouth when sneezing and coughing, and disposing of used tissues straight away is advised. Viruses like coronavirus cannot live outside the body for very long.

What are the symptoms?

The NHS states that the symptoms are: a dry cough, high temperature and shortness of breath - but these symptoms do not necessarily mean you have the illness. Look out for flu-like symptoms, such as aches and pains, nasal congestion, runny nose and a sore throat. It’s important to remember that some people may become infected but won’t develop any symptoms or feel unwell.

What precautions can be taken?

Washing your hands with soap and water thoroughly. The NHS also advises to cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when you cough or sneeze; put used tissues in the bin immediately and try to avoid close contact with people who are unwell. Also avoiding touching eyes, nose and mouth unless your hands are clean.

Should I avoid public places?

Most people who feel well can continue to go to work, school and public places and should only stay at home and self isolate if advised by a medical professional or the coronavirus service.

What should I do if I feel unwell?

Don’t go to your GP but instead call NHS 111 or look online at the coronavirus service that can tell you if you need medical help and what to do next.

When to call NHS 111

NHS 111 should be used if you feel unwell with coronavirus symptoms, have been in a country with a high risk of coronavirus in the last 14 days or if you have been in close contact with someone with the virus.

Sources: World Health Organisation and NHS