Keith Smith was 52 years old. He was a loving husband, hardworking provider, and deeply valued member of our family and community. Prior to his hospitalization, Keith was active, healthy, and living a normal life. He was not elderly or terminally ill when he entered the hospital and had no comorbidities that impacted COVID-19. He did not take any prescription medications. He was not vaccinated for COVID-19.
On November 19, 2021, Keith was admitted to the hospital with COVID-19 symptoms. Shortly after admission, he was isolated from family due to hospital visitation restrictions. I was unable to remain by his side to monitor his condition, advocate for his care, or communicate with him consistently in person, aside from the allowed two hours per day of in-person visitation. Most of Keith’s time in the hospital was spent alone and helpless.