Home » Santa Clarita News » Coronavirus » Carl Goldman Receives First Negative Test For Coronavirus In COVID-19 Quarantine: Part 29
031520 Carl Coronavirus part 29

Carl Goldman Receives First Negative Test For Coronavirus In COVID-19 Quarantine: Part 29

After nearly six weeks of quarantine in both Japan and  Omaha, Nebraska, KHTS Owner Carl Goldman has finally received a negative test for COVID-19 after nearly 30 days of positive tests.

Back In The States With The Coronavirus – Day 38 & 39 (Friday/Saturday)

negative postit 031520

On Saturday evening I received a blue Post-It Note. My first negative. Hallelujah! One down, two more to go.

I am choosing not to get too optimistic. Patients have tested negative only to be followed by another positive test. I’ll get more excited tomorrow when my second test comes out negative. I need three negatives, 24-hours apart to be released from quarantine at Nebraska Medicine in Omaha. I will no longer have the coronavirus, COVID-19.

Earlier in the day, we learned a patient tested positive for 37 days. That’s the longest on record. Saturday is day 29 for me. 37 is a record I don’t want to break.

Earlier in the day my friend Mark Jorgensen, who is now quarantined at his home in St. George, Utah and I exchanged texts to see if either of us wanted to go for the record. We are both very competitive. Mark is a huge Seinfeld fan (who isn’t?). He sent me a clip of one of their funnier scenes that is so poignant in today’s environment. Enjoy.

 

The CDC still hasn’t set protocol for our second test to be flown back to their headquarters in Atlanta. It’s very frustrating.

It’s particularly perplexing because if it proves the theory that while their current PCR test is effective in testing for the virus, it may be flawed as we recover. A small percentage of us may have dead virus cells lingering in our bodies. We may no longer be contagious, yet the PCR test might not be distinguishing between dead cells and active ones.

The plan is to have our samples flown to Atlanta, placed in a petri dish and watch the cultures grow for five or six days to see if the virus is still active.

The CDC’s lack of movement on implementation is frustrating for two reasons. First, it may speed up my release if one of my next two tests turn positive again, and second, if it proves the current PCR test contradicts the Atlanta findings, it could mean the release of patients a lot sooner, relieving our already stressed medical infrastructure as the outbreak continues to expand.

Vox Media put out a fascinating short documentary on the origins of the coronavirus, COVID-19. It’s very much worth the watch.

 

I’m proud of Santa Clarita. We now have many volunteers to assist my wife in picking up the dog poop in our backyard. I’m not sure if they are willing to give up a roll toilet paper that’s been hoarded, but they are very generous with the other excrement clean up.

Things are sure different in Santa Clarita since we flew to Tokyo on January 17. Toilet paper hoarding, school closures, Six Flag’s Magic Mountain shut down, fights in line at Costco, no food or supplies available and the list goes on-and-on. I suspect there’s a run on bidets. It’s a good thing I’m not home. If I had to install a bidet in our bathroom, the water would hit every appendage except my butt.

Our valley now has two patients who tested positive for the novel corona virus, COVID-19 through Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital. They are not staying at the hospital.

We should all try to remain calm. Stress is not a friend of our immune system. Psychologists are sharing we should limit media and social media consumption to a few times a day, 30-minutes at a time to keep our stress from ramping up.  Don’t stay glued to the all-news networks. That advice is also coming from me, your local media guy.

Mariam Levy sent me a video of the Hart High School Show Choir winning their last championship. Mariam suggested I could follow their moves while doing my daily 10,000 steps for additional exercise.

Mariam is unaware I could compete for the worst dancer in Santa Clarita. I avoided cotillion in Junior High. About a dozen years ago my wife insisted we take a ballroom dancing class. The class had a front window looking out on a busy Lyons Avenue in Newhall making the experience even more intimidating.

I was so bad even my wife refused to dance with me. Our male instructor, feeling very sorry for me replaced Jeri as my partner. Passerbys still occasionally provide memorable posts on my Facebook page. I’m praying no video will ever surface.

The media has been reaching out from all over the world. While most interviewers are pros, a few could brush up on their delivery, eliminating their “ums”, “ands” and “you-knows”. A one or two-second pause is much more powerful. Their desire to fill dead air reminded me of my High School days.

My 11th grade Driver’s Ed teacher, Mr. Hinkle, at Hastings High in New York would say the word “okay” at the start and end of every sentence. Throughout the term, a group of us had a betting pool going to see who would come closest to Mr. Hinkle’s “okays” during a 40-minute class. Usually, a number between 120 and 190 was a safe bet. Sometimes, Mr. Hinkle would break deeper into the three-digit territory, uttering four or five “okays” in a row as he gathered his thoughts before his next sentence. A sentence which of course would start with another “okay”. With every “okay” 20 students would mark down another notch on our paper as we kept track. If Mr. Hinkle stuttered with an “oh-oh-oh-kay”, each “oh” counted for ½ an “okay”.

The suspense was always exciting as we neared the final minutes of class to see who would walk away with our pot of money. Looking back now I believe it might have been Mr. Hinkle’s devious ploy to keep us focused for the full forty minutes.

By the way, Mr. Hinkle only made the girls change the tires during our demonstration time. That was back in 1968 and the end of an era when we no longer opened doors for women or picked up their handkerchiefs.

omaha snow 031520Day 39, Saturday

It’s a snow day in Omaha. I pulled up my window shade. The ground was blanketed. Very cool for a Southern California boy who rarely sees the white treat.

After my nurse finished drilling yet another swab up both nostrils she pleasantly asked, “Anything else I could do?”

I suggested she go outside, make a few snowballs, reenter my quarantined room and throw them at me. She thought I was kidding. I wasn’t.

Many readers have thanked my wife Jeri and me, along with our friends Mark and Jerri Jorgensen for openly sharing our experiences. Megan from Florida said, “Your posts actually give me comfort in all this chaos.”

All the positive comments we’re receiving make the occasional “f-you” we are still hit with worth our openness.

The Chinese foreign ministry is claiming in a tweet the United States planted the virus. If that’s to be believed, then Elvis is still alive and hiding out as Rosie O’Donnell as I’ve read in more than one supermarket tabloid.

It’s the Chinese who wouldn’t allow our doctors in during their initial outbreak. It’s the Chinese who had their young doctor die mysteriously. It’s the Chinese who kept critical information about the coronavirus, COVID-19 from the rest of the world during their initial outbreak.

Watch the short Vox video I linked to earlier in today’s journal. That’s the real story.

Before I turned in for the night there was a knock on my door. My nurse entered carrying the perfect snowball. My day was complete.

omaha snowball 031520

Read All Of Carl’s Journals Here: Carl Goldman Coronavirus Journals

There is currently no vaccine to prevent coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus. However, as a reminder, CDC always recommends everyday preventive actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory diseases, including:

  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
  • Stay home when you are sick.
  • Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
  • Follow CDC’s recommendations for using a facemask.
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.


Sponsored Articles


Do you have a news tip? Call us at (661) 298-1220, or send an email to newstip@hometownstation.com. Don’t miss a thing. Get breaking KHTS Santa Clarita News Alerts delivered right to your inbox. Report a typo or error, email Corrections@hometownstation.com

KHTS FM 98.1 and AM 1220 is Santa Clarita’s only local radio station. KHTS mixes in a combination of news, traffic, sports, and features along with your favorite adult contemporary hits. Santa Clarita news and features are delivered throughout the day over our airwaves, on our website and through a variety of social media platforms. Our KHTS national award-winning daily news briefs are now read daily by 34,000+ residents. A vibrant member of the Santa Clarita community, the KHTS broadcast signal reaches all of the Santa Clarita Valley and parts of the high desert communities located in the Antelope Valley. The station streams its talk shows over the web, reaching a potentially worldwide audience. Follow @KHTSRadio on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

KHTS AM 1220 & FM 98.1 - Santa Clarita Radio - Santa Clarita News

Carl Goldman Receives First Negative Test For Coronavirus In COVID-19 Quarantine: Part 29

49 comments

  1. I really enjoy reading all of your posts. Your stories and others who have recovered from it, provide such comfort in this chaotic times. I am hoping that you continue to test negative and re-join your wife home soon.

  2. I continue to pray for your recovery !! I love ou radio station and all the support. I haven’t needed to go shopping until today. Sadly I will report I am ashamed of our community the lack of sheer humanity. The hoarding the filth people just tossing the complimentary sanity wipes in the street leaving them in the carts using more then needed one store clerk told me they are not going so supply them because of this. Lastly a little discount store I frequent to but cleaners cuz it’s cheaper then the stores. I went to get some Clorox wipes 3 weeks ago were 2.50. Yet today 7.99?? And a well known grocery store. 1 little steak was
    25.00. I thought price gouging was illegal. Guess I was wrong. My prayers for us all. I mean really people it’s not the end of the world. SHAME ON THE HOARDERS !!

  3. YES! YES! YES! Super happy and can tell that you truly are too!! That is FANTASTIC news!!!!!! You are coming to the conclusion of your isolation and we, my friend are all at the beginning of ours- the world has officially changed. Thinking of you and super excited for you to be back home soon. Thank you for continuing to provide us with facts, hope and light. It is much needed right now.

  4. Carl, I am so happy to read that you have finally received a negative test result! I have been following your blog for over a week now and it has provided me with so much comfort during such an uncertain time. Thank you for being so open and sharing your journey. May your next two tests come back negative so you can get yourself back to southern cali.
    Sending you lots of good vibes from Studio City
    Amanda

  5. Oh thank the lord it’s been a long time coming praying that you’re next to test come out negative and you can be home with your wife

  6. It is great to hear the good news. Hopefully 2 more follow. Thanks for sharing, staying positive and providing comfort to so many. Hang in there buddy.

  7. We have 8 rolls of toilet paper…pray for me

  8. I am ridiculously happy for a man (and his wife) whom I’ve never met. After a loud WOO!, I yelled to my husband in the other room that Carl had finally tested negative! We’re both happy for you and, while I’ll miss reading your posts, really are glad there is a light at the end of your tunnel.

  9. I have to say I’ve enjoyed your daily blog from the first. We were on a cruise from So Africa thru the Indian Ocean, originally ending in Singapore. The more you posted, the more I was sure I would not be stopping in Singapore this trip. Fortunately, I was right and we diverted to Dubai as our last stop.

    Your realistic and humorous writing made it easier to sort the rumor from fact regarding the virus. Seems a long time since our last encounter at Rotary. I truly hope your test is the first of three clear ones and you can come home soon.

  10. Your sense of humor is amazing. I’ve enjoyed all your posts. I’ve been praying you get negative results 2 more times so you can be hone with your true love! The people in Omaha have been so great to you and all affected!

  11. Greetings from the Turks and Caicos Islands.

    I have read all of your posts, and enjoy your writing. Thank you for sharing your experience, and I’m super happy about your negative test.

    Good luck, and keep the posts coming.

    B. Nelson

  12. That’s great news Carl! Praying for two more for you (and your wife as well)!

  13. Tremendously great news Carl!!!!❤️?

  14. Oh, Carl, thank you so very much for sharing your journey. For me you have eased my fears of the virus, more afraid of the quarantine you endured. We rebooked our April cruise, will see if we make the October. So pleased to hear of your first negative results, may the next two bear the same. Your humor through it all is commendable. Cheers to coming home soon, and good health moving forward.

  15. Good News!!! Be sure to let us know as soon as the second set of results come in. Your blog is the high-point of the day now for many of us!!

  16. Thank goodness from North Carolina! I’ve followed you corona journey from your single digit posts. You and your wife are forces of calm in a sea of ‘worry news.’ I especially want to thank you for allowing the Nebraska doctors to use you as a case study. The world needed you and you stepped up.

    Do you remember ‘On the Road With Charles Karault(sp)?’ Carl, you have the same writer’s gift!

  17. Im so happy for ur negative test… I look forward to reading ur updates everyday. Take Care Carl hope you go home soon.
    Much Love, ur neighbor from San Fernando, Ca.
    Liz

  18. Carl, in part 10 of your journal you commented that the Omaha medical staff only wanted you to take ibuprofen AKA Advil and did not want you to take acetaminophen AKA Tylenol. However, there have been several recent articles coming from France that indicate that one or more doctors there are saying that ibuprofen is not good for the Corona virus. instead, they actually are recommending acetaminophen AKA Tylenol which is contrary to what you have reported. Feel free to Google this, a couple of articles are on the guardian.com and Cleveland.com. according to these French doctors, yes the ibuprofen reduces fever, but at the same time it also reduces inflammation. Apparently, your body’s inflammation is its way of fighting disease. Tylenol, instead, reduces fever, but does not reduce the inflammation, allowing your body to fight. I was hoping you could ask your doctors in Omaha if they still prefer ibuprofen over acetaminophen, and why?
    That would really help us out to understand if we should be taking ibuprofen or acetaminophen AKA Tylenol. Thank you so much for all your blog posts everything has been really informative and I hope you continue to get better and continue to test positive! Thanks so much, DJ.

  19. Boy am I with you on China. They have lied about this virus since day one. Don’t get me started about that place. Anyway, let’s hope for negative #2, Carl. And a snowball. It’s the little things.

  20. Hello Carl. I am so glad to hear of your test result. I will continue to pray for 2 more negative test results. But dont be in too much of a hurry to get home. Between the hoarding, the closing of the wineries/bars, and the latest Governor’s rule for seniors to isolate themselves, well needless to say it’s not too exciting here in SCV. But I’m sure you’ll be glad to be home regardless. Take care and thanks for your great sense of humor during such a difficult time.

  21. Thank you for your posts! This is keeping it real during a confusing and overwhelming time. We read every day and look forward to the day you can wish Nebraska farewell and reunite with Jeri 🙂

  22. Finally!!! Congratulations! Praying for another negative! Keep on blogging so the rest of us don’t go through withdrawals from your funny sense of humor. You’ll have more than enough material to work with when you get home. Getting acclimated back into what’s now our new crazy norm. Brace yourself!!! LOL

  23. Hello Carl, I thought it was about time for me to post a comment to let you know I’ve been following your story from the start – and I’m very glad to hear you got your first all negative COVID-19 result. I hope you get 2 more in succession and are soon able to make it home to your wife in Santa Clarita. You’ve been through quite a lot – so much more than you (and your family and friends) bargained for when you left for your vacation in mid-January. My initial interest in your story stemmed from my search for information about what was really happening inside the Diamond Princess. I myself am a traveler, and I enjoy taking the occasional cruise as a part of a trip. I had recently been eyeing some transpacific cruises, & Japan and Vietnam have been high on my list of next places to explore. As I heard more about your personal stories & the way things transpired on and then off the ship, I became even more interested and awaited each of your postings eagerly. As our situation in the US becomes more ominous, and the threat of the novel Coronavirus appears to be all around us here in NYS, it is helpful to read your firsthand account of what you have experienced and how you, your wife, and your traveling companions have dealt with it all. It is easy for us to panic during this unprecedentedly scary time when so much is unknown. Your posts have helped to shed some light on COVID-19 and thus reduce some anxiety in all of us. Thank you for your openness and willingness to share with us… and wishing you all the best as you complete your recovery. Take care.

  24. Praise God Carl , I have been praying for you and family. I pray that the Lord will continue to protect you. God bless you and family.

  25. I’m praying for you Carl, that you ace your next two tests.

  26. So you’ve had a few “F-You’s” huh? Well here are a couple more from me…

    I too am a resident of Santa Clarita. Although we have never met, I have found myself (F)ascinated by your (F)unny sense of humor during this (F)rustrating ‘adventure’ you have been staring in! From your (F)earless choice to share personal information about the swabbing of your (F)anny to your (F)amed cries to (F)inagle (F)ree pooper-scoopers… you have been a (F)antastic trooper and a great read… but it’s ABOUT TIME your (F)un seems to (F)inally be reaching it’s FINAL days!

    Your NEGATIVE NEWS is..

    FABULOUS…
    FANTASTIC..
    Freakin’ AWSOME… !!!

    I cannot wait to read tomorrow’s news of your next NEGATIVE test…!!

  27. Hi Carl,
    This is Katie Anderson I have been following your blogs.
    I have also reached out to Jeri but I don’t know if she got my messages.
    I am so happy you got a negative it’s well overdue.
    I pray that you can get two more negatives then you can come home.
    We all want that.
    Please have Jeri call me would love to help her.
    Could have her for dinner.
    This is my phone number have her call me.
    661 251 6151
    Love Katie Anderson

  28. Way to go, Carl! One down. Two to go. Think negative! Negative test. Negative Test. Best wishes!

  29. Hi Carl,

    Many thanks for your continuing messages. You provide balance and a modicum of sanity in an otherwise frenetic swirl of (often mis-) information.

    Congrats on the first Negative test. Best wishes for two more in the coming two days.

  30. Newport Oregon Police Department
    Yesterday at 9:49 PM ·
    It’s hard to believe that we even have to post this. Do not call 9-1-1 just because you ran out of toilet paper. You will survive without our assistance.
    In fact, history offers many other options for you in your time of need if you cannot find a roll of your favorite soft, ultra plush two-ply citrus scented tissue.
    Seamen used old rope and anchor lines soaked in salt water. Ancient Romans used a sea sponge on a stick, also soaked in salt water. We are a coastal town. We have an abundance of salt water available. Sea shells were also used.
    Mayans used corn cobs. Colonial Americans also used the core of the cob. Farmers not only used corn cobs, but used pages from the Farmers Almanac. Many Americans took advantage of the numerous pages torn from free catalogs such as Sears and Roebuck. The Sears Christmas catalog, four times thicker than the normal catalog, could get a family of three wiped clean from December through Valentine’s Day; or Saint Patrick’s Day if they were frugal.
    Then, of course, there are always alternatives to toilet paper. Grocery receipts, newspaper, cloth rags, lace, cotton balls, and that empty toilet paper roll sitting on the holder right now. Plus, there are a variety of leaves you can safely use. Mother Earth News magazine will even tell you how to make your own wipes using fifteen different leaves. When all else fails, you have magazine pages. Start saving those catalogs you get in the mail that you usually toss into the recycle bin. Be resourceful. Be patient. There is a TP shortage. This too shall pass. Just don’t call 9-1-1. We cannot bring you toilet paper.

  31. Thank you for sharing these many weeks. Hope you will be home soon.

    I’m guessing people would share folk remedies with you? I’d like to share one story. My father had told me to keep a bottle of grappa in case of a flu epidemic. His grand-father(in-law)had told him it prevented them getting from the Flu in 1918. Maybe they were too pickled to get sick. But, I decided it wouldn’t hurt to imbibe a little. I bought a bottle. It is not very popular, only 2 available at the Bev &more store.. The stuff tastes like hot lava or drinking a sharpie pen. It burns! It’s probably as beneficial as stringing garlic around my neck. But, what the heck? Maybe Dad was on to something.

    Hope to read that you will be back home soon with your family and your furry friend. Thanks again for sharing your life experiences.

  32. Hallelujah!!
    Come back home soon!!

  33. Hope you win soon be home. Wish you will get two more negative test results. I love reading you blog. You are so positive and has strong mental fortitude during this time.?

  34. Congratulations on your first negative test! I’ll continue to keep you and your wife in my prayers. Take care!

  35. Carl – Hoping you can tuck a few rolls of toilet paper (along with the straws) in your bag for your trip home… Thank you for sharing your experiences, and setting an example of grace and humor through a tough challenge.

  36. I let out a huge whoop when I saw you have your first negative test! I feel like all the bad news from all over has been weighing so heavily on all our chests…seeing your blog brightened my whole morning. Sending prayers and good vibes for a second and third negative test. Thank you so much for opening up to strangers and giving us some hope in these crazy times. I live in NC, and our schools shut down this weekend, as well as most everything else. Keep up the negativity (ha, you know what I mean), and looking forward to your post saying “I’m going home!” 🙂

  37. Congrats on your first negative test! I’ve enjoyed following your journals and hope the next few will be from your home in Cali!
    Thanks for your calm good humor during this difficult time.
    All the best from NC.

  38. Come on Negative! Hope you are home soon with family. You are a brave man. Thank you for the link to the video very informative.

  39. Good news Carl! I follow you from Spain and everyday I check your blog because I suffered from GBS too since January, for that reason I found you on internet searching “Coronavirus and GBS” I was really scared if I had a relapsed due to COVID19.
    Now we (the country) are at home, trying to “flatten the curve”. I hope you can return home in a few days.
    Good luck, brave!

  40. Thank you for your posts and being open.
    Like many, I too feel a sense of calm after reading your blog or listening to Mark or Jeri.
    I am in the “epi-center”’in Seattle and although I know we need to do all we can to stop the spread, there is either hysteria or denial, I am not seeing a middle ground.
    So, again thank you for information and sharing your experience.
    I went to school in Omaha (Creighton). Isn’t it just a gem of a place? Maybe you can return for a visit outside the walls of the med center? The states motto is “the good life” and truly it is fueled by really good people.
    Hoping for continued negative results and a homecoming in your near future. Best Wishes, Lu

  41. Finally! I’ve been checking for good news from you and there it is. From Texas with a big hug.

    Over 65 and hanging out at the homestead.

    Stay well my friend.

  42. Carl, as I wrote earlier, some doctors are questioning whether ibuprofen or acetaminophen is better to reduce the fever associated with the Corona virus. French doctors are claiming that Tylenol AKA acetaminophen is better than the treatment that you received which was Advil AKA ibuprofen. Here is a quick link for you to read from cnn.com. https://www.cnn.com/2020/03/16/health/coronavirus-ibuprofen-french-health-minister-scn-intl-scli/index.html. would you be able to elaborate on why your doctors in Omaha gave you ibuprofen as opposed to acetaminophen? In your post number 10, you indicated that The doctors in Omaha said that acetaminophen was no good for the virus, and that ibuprofen was much better for battling the virus. In fact, you mentioned specifically that they did not recommend acetaminophen. Could you further explain why they prefer ibuprofen over acetaminophen, and enlight of the recent news that has come out from French doctors, if they still recommend ibuprofen over acetaminophen?

  43. Happy to hear the news about the Negative test results. Just need two more. We’re keeping you in our prayers.

  44. Thank you for the informative coverage of your journey with COVID-19 and for the humor you’ve infused into a serious situation. Thank you also for the informative documentary video you posted about the origins of the virus and why new diseases keep appearing in China. It’s one of the most informative I’ve seen. Praying you continue to test negative and that you will be FREE soon!

  45. Hi! I have been following your blog for a week or two now and it has given me a lot of comfort during a very uncertain time. You have a great sense of humor. I’m glad to hear you’re (knock on wood) on the way to going home! Stay healthy!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

*

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

About Carl Goldman

Carl Goldman, along with his wife, Jeri repurchased KHTS AM-1220, Santa Clarita’s hometown station on October 24, 2003. They owned it from 1990-1998, and then sold it to Clear Channel Communication in 1998, buying it back from Clear Channel in 2003. Since then, they have rebuilt KHTS as a critical voice of the Valley. In 2015 the radio station moved to its new headquarters on Main Street in Old Town Newhall, in the original Newhall Hardware building. In 2018 an FM was added, 98.1, with its signal being simulcast with AM-1220. In January 2020, Carl and Jeri cruised on the Diamond Princess. Carl was one of the first Americans to come down with Covid-19. Months earlier he was impacted by Guillain Barre Syndrome as a result of a Shingles vaccine in September 2019. He is still in recovery from the vaccine.