Originally Posted by Finkface (Post 32205664)

Unfortunately, the worst has happened. She was taken to hospital in Lavagna yesterday with pneumonia and is now in critical condition, but still hanging in there. She is a tough cookie at 94 years old. She was tested today for Covid-19 and we are awaiting the result. The worst part is the feeling of helplessness being half a world away and unable to get there. And even if we were there, we could not do anything anyway as the country is on lockdown and there is no way the hospital would let us in. Mr. Fink is an only child but he has very close childhood friends who have been amazing. Her live-in caregiver is understandably upset and worried about her own future but we have assured her that she can stay in our apartment for as long as she needs to, regardless of what happens, as we won’t be able to get over there to do anything for many months anyway, which was a huge relief and comfort to her in these trying times. We call the hospital daily for updates and the doctors and nurses are incredible - true heroes in this terrible situation.

Originally Posted by annaschummi (Post 32240776)

So sorry to hear that. How is she now?
Seems that the virus is wider spread within hospitals and recovery houses for the elder people.

Originally Posted by Finkface (Post 32242142)

Quite unbelievably, she is doing better.

Originally Posted by annaschummi (Post 32282628)

Any news? The situation seems to be improving over here, even though lock down had been extended till May 3rd.

Originally Posted by Finkface (Post 32291224)

Sadly, she took a turn for the worse shortly after I posted the last update and she passed away on April 1. We are pretty certain she had Covid-19 after all despite them telling us otherwise as all of her symptoms fit. Not that it matters. Dealing with Italian bureaucracy at the best of times is a nightmare but trying to do so under these circumstances and from half a world away is beyond difficult. Mr. Fink is an only child but fortunately has some great friends who have gone above and beyond to help us manage everything. She was cremated in Genoa last week with no one allowed to be present and no service of any kind, obviously. As soon as it is safe to do so, we will go over and take care of all the remaining things that need doing. We will have to deal with her things and we have an apartment there that we will sell once all of this passes. At least the stress of thinking of her alone in the hospital has gone, and we are now left with the sadness of her passing.