Phoenix mother speaks of agony of losing child to Covid-19
The mother of a 12-year-old Durban girl who died after contracting Covid-19 says losing her daughter is the worst thing possible.
Primary school pupil Kaitlyn Pillay died in her mother's arms on Saturday.
Karishma Pillay of Phoenix says they think her daughter possibly picked up the virus at school as that was the only time she left home.
She says Kaitlyn started showing symptoms last week Monday.
The child tested positive on Wednesday and was rushed to the clinic on Friday when she began struggling to breathe.
“They gave her oxygen and medication drips and all of that. She said ‘no mommy, I am okay’. We came home that morning and I gave her a bath, combed her hair. I put her to bed and everything.
“She woke up and went to the toilet and said ‘mommy I can’t breathe’. While I was holding her hand she passed. And then they (emergency services) came in, they were the best. They really tried to resuscitate her because she is so young. They tried and tried and tried…”
Pillay has urged parents, pupils and teachers to be extra cautious and says children should be made to stay home if not feeling well or showing symptoms of Covid-19.
“I just want to thank everyone for being there for us, she was a very respectful child. Just be so careful for your kids.”
