While the deadly COVID-19 outbreak declared at Roberta Place long-term care home ended 104 days ago, Edwin Ng’s return home today was one his family and friends had eagerly waited for.
Edwin, who had a double-lung transplant after contracting COVID-19, returned home to his south-end Barrie residence Wednesday to a hero’s welcome, as Mapleton Avenue was lined with numerous well-wishers.
As a Roberta Place personal support worker (PSW), Edwin contracted the virus and became ill on Jan. 16. He has been in hospital ever since, fighting for his life.
The outbreak was declared at the Essa Road long-term care home on Jan. 8. It lasted 41 days and claimed the lives of 71 people, including 67 confirmed resident deaths, three considered probable, and one death of an essential caregiver who was associated with the south-end facility.
A bagpiper led Edwin’s vehicle down the street as his wife, Samantha, pulled into the driveway to cheers from close to 200 people who showed up in face masks.
Edwin said being home was “because of the grace of God.”
BarrieToday spoke with Edwin's son, Joey, prior to his dad’s arrival and said everyone was eager to have the family patriarch home.
“We’re excited and the kids are excited to see him. It’s a good day,” said Joey.
A father of three and grandfather of two, Edwin was originally at Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre (RVH) in Barrie and then moved to the intensive care unit (ICU) where he was placed on a ventilator.
He was then transferred to Toronto General Hospital where he was on ventilator and an extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO).
Social media updates from Samantha kept people as up to date as possible, but for much of the time, things looked grim.
On April 25, Edwin had a successful double-lung transplant.
Being in the hospital for over four months was hard on Edwin and his family, and many times it seemed like coming home may not happen.
Joey said his dad is coming home a new and happy man, for which the family is very grateful.
“It’s definitely been a ride with lots of ups and downs, but I’m happy with the care he received and happy he’s coming home,” said Joey. “From what I’ve talked to him, he seems like a changed man — more religious and focusing more on family.”
A Facebook group for Edwin's homecoming was set up on May 25 to co-ordinate a physically distanced cheering section for Edwin as he made his way home for the first time since January.
Edwin was discharged from hospital Wednesday morning and, after a few appointments, headed home to the surprise of cheering loved ones.
“This is unbelievable. I’m so surprised and happy. God is good,” Edwin said.
Edwin said the first thing he was going to do when he got home was “lay on the couch.”
Neil Orpilla was also on hand for the event and said he couldn’t miss it.
Orpilla was another Roberta Place PSW who contracted COVID-19, testing negative on Jan. 14. He was discharged Feb. 4, but with 24-hour oxygen.
“My chest is still heavy. I’m still in pain at times,” said Orpilla. “But it is good to see Edwin home. I wanted to see that."
Asked if it feels like a bit of closure following what happened at Roberta Place four months ago, Orpilla hesitated before answering.
“No. No, we lost too many people there,” he said. “Too many are gone.”