Carl Goldman has tested negative once again for coronavirus, COVID-19, and is expected to return home to Santa Clarita.
Back In The States With The Coronavirus – Day 40 (Sunday)
I’m going home tomorrow. On day 40 of my coronavirus, COVID-19, quarantine, my doctor knocked on my door.
“It’s not the grim reaper,” my doc gleefully shouted. He smiled as he handed me a yellow Post-It Note. Blue has always been my favorite color. The yellow Post-It may have caused a shift. Two negatives in a row.
“We’re going to release you,” my doctor shared. “The CDC has changed our protocol. With the length of time you’ve had the virus, we’re positive it’s no longer in your system. Two negative tests in a row prove it. This is your final Post-It Note.”
I’m glad to see I’ve been able to loosen up my doc during my stay at Nebraska Medicine in Omaha.
My first call was to my wife. Jeri began to cry. I savored the moment, knowing my shine will begin to get a little dimmer once I return.
Today was day 30 of my stay in Omaha, day 40 of my total quarantine counting the days onboard the Diamond Princess. I’m scheduled to fly from Omaha to California on Monday afternoon.
My nurse handed me scrubs. “You’ll have to take off all your clothes,” she said, smiling. “We’ll wash all four of your outfits overnight. We promise to even return your Michigan sweatshirt.”
My California humor was becoming contagious here in Nebraska. I was definitely in ‘Huskers country.
“When you wake up in the morning, pull off your bedding,” the nurse continued. “You’ll need to take out everything from your bags. Place them on your bed. We’ll zap them with a special light after you’ve moved to a transition room where you can shower. When done, we’ll give you a new pair of scrubs, walk you to a third room, where your washed clothes and zapped belongings will be waiting for you. Including your Michigan sweatshirt.”
As she shared all this information, I had lost her on the first zap. Instead, I imagined what my freedom will feel like. I also realized I was returning to a very different world than what it looked like on January 17 when we flew to Tokyo for our cruise on the Diamond Princess.
Our friend, Mark Jorgensen, still has the virus. He’s quarantined at his home in St. George, Utah. Mark; his wife, Jerri; my wife, Jeri; and I have been conducting many interviews. We’ve been in the media epicenter since we went public with our story during the early days of our quarantine on the Diamond Princess.
Today, someone in St. George called the police thinking they saw Mark walking through a grocery store. As the call came in, the St. George police happened to be watching TV as Mark was being interviewed live from his quarantine at home. You can’t make this stuff up. We continue to expect the unexpected. Especially my wife, Jeri, and her rolfer.
Rolfing is a deep tissue therapy. Take the hardest massage imaginable and multiply it by 10. That’s a mild rolfing session. Jeri has been going to the same rolfer for decades. Last week she made an appointment. She was told to take a hike. He would not see her because her appearance would impact his business. She’s probably the safest person to be rolfed on our planet. She’s going to look for someone new after this craziness ends.
I volunteered to spend time on YouTube learning “Rolfing For Dummies.” My wife fired back, “You go for it, buddy.”
I have a feeling my rolfing venture might be even more disastrous than my ballroom dancing lessons as described in yesterday’s journal.
Our dinner two nights ago was Asian food. For dessert, we received a fortune cookie. Mine didn’t say anything clairvoyant, but my weird mind created all kinds of humorous fortunes for our novel corona virus, COVID-19, era.
“Prepare for the unexpected”; “Enjoy yourself while you can”; “An interesting medical opportunity is in your future”; “Ignore previous cookie, it’s quarantined”; and, “If you eat me, beware of the runs,” are a few that come to mind.
Upon hearing of my release, Alisa Schwartz-Jackson posted, “Bring TP home from Nebraska, or corn husks might become a commodity.” Very funny. I wish I was clever enough to have come up with that line.
My friend, Brad Spahr, wrote, “Great news, Carl. May your attitude remain positive and not your nasal passages.”
Stacey Doubblestein shared some wise advice: “Your calmness while quarantined and still testing positive is calming and comforting to us. I am seriously more afraid of our general population than I am of the virus itself. Oh, I am also terrified of homeschooling my two sons from SCVi Charter because they are already trying to pull ‘the internet isn’t working’ shenanigans. Nice try boys – we will find a way regardless, even if we have to resort to paper and pencils.”
If my mom were still alive, I know she and Stacey would become close friends.
As I turn out my light, I smile at my birthday balloon. It is still hovering next to the television after 24 days since I turned 67 alone in my bio-containment room. It’s been a happy reminder of my angels: the kind, talented and friendly medical team here in Omaha.
I’m afraid tomorrow’s zapping might end my balloon’s companionship.
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.
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Congrats I’m so happy to hear your good news!!! Your blog has been very inspiring and has made it so helpful to understand the COVID-1.9
awesome news! I am so happy for you.
Great news – welcome home!!
Very Good Nees, safe Travels and stay well!!?
Praise the Lord! His hand has been and continues to be on you
both. Faith, humor and joy!
Best news EVER!!!!! So happy for you Carl! I live in Los Angeles and have been following your story. God bless and welcome home! Safe travels.
Congratulations to you and Jeri. Welcome home to SCV and thank you for the informative updates!
AMEN to all of the positive comments. SC welcomes you home, but will miss your journal entries
Carl,
Fantastic news, man. I am so happy to hear that you’re going home. It’s so good to know that there’s an end to the tunnel. We still have yet to know what the true damage will be, but we need more stories like yours. Thank you so much for all the hope. I’d say stay positive, but it might still be too soon 😉
Will
Congratulations Carl! My whole SCV family has been following your story. So happy you’re coming home!
Even though I don’t know you in real life, I enjoyed reading your blog and found it very entertaining. I was rooting for you to get the three negative tests and am glad you are getting to go home after two negative tests. I have two questions: what happened to separating the nostril and throat tests? And what is going to happen to the sample sent to the CDC in Atlanta? Anyway, given all the bad stuff going on, this was great news.
So very happy for you Carl! You have been such a light with your articles and humor. Safe travels and god speed on your way home. Your Freedom Pals are all so proud of you. ?
Whooooohooooool!!!!!! So happy for you!!!! May you continue to enjoy everyday with that positive attitude and please continue your blog so we can all continue to learn about experiences. Safe travels and cheers to you and your family!!!!!!
Welcome back to Santa Clarita! Very happy for you! Prayers for a kind, albeit “socially-distanced” reception.
So if Mr. Goldman had to be quarantined for all this time in Tokyo and Omaha NE, after having tested positive for the Corona Virus (Covid19), then please tell me why the three people recently confirmed at Henry Mayo are out and about with no medical supervision? Why are they not quarantined at the hospital until they successfully achieve the required amount of negative test? Is it due to staffing? Available rooms? Just curious…
I am very happy for Carl and his wife that they can be reunited, and can only hope the negative comments do not overshadow the joy of both of them being home after this. Welcome home Carl.
wonder if they asked Carl if he thought it was a good idea since he’s such a thoughtful person who’s cares about his community.
Carl Smyth should ask carl how to run the city!
SHUT EVERYTHING DOWN FOR ONE DAY LONGER THAN CARL WAS QUARANTINED FOR, THAT SHOULD FLATTEN THE CURVE AS SMYTH MENTIONED.
I think it’s related to health. Carl couldn’t go home because his wife wasn’t ever sick. Mark, on the other hand, went home when he was well enough even though he continues to test positive. Mark’s wife had the illness and has since recovered and tests negative. Mark is in quarantine at home, like many, many, many people in the US are at this time. They will also be awaiting two consecutive negative tests before they should leave quarantine.
I think people are walking around asymptomatic and our numbers will be higher when we begin testing at a high rate. But of those tested, we are trusting they stay home and avoid contact with the community until they get the clear.
Yea! Hurry backrest and rest few days and get to work. We need You fellow.
So happy for you, Carl.
Yaaaaaaaay…. That’s so exciting! Congratulations and welcome back home <3
Yay, Carl, that’s amazing news! So glad you’ll be home soon. I’ve enjoyed everyone of your posts
, but I’m sure your humor and positive attitude will be remembered as the gift you gave us all to help make sense of this crazy time we’re in right now. Stay well!
I’m just so excited…wish to be invited to the “Welcoming Home” party! Would have been there for Jeri, too!!!
You have shared so much information with us all. Thanks for your humor and hope. Welcome home!!
Hi Carl, this is Chris Bare. I am so happy your ordeal is finally over. You have been a true inspiration for many of us. Your information has been wonderful. Your sense of humor has been delightful. I can’t wait to see you here in Santa Clarita and yes, give you a big hug???
The balloon reminded me of Wilson. I have enjoyed your daily updates. Now home to the SCV and new adventures.
Thankful Carl is a free man. A great example of how to react under fire! An real inspiration. God’s grace and mercy were abundant :). Your friends at the Los Angeles County Fire Department Foundation were praying and pulling for you!! Enjoy being home from your extended vacation ???
Congratulations! Thank you for your bravery and the many laughs during these stressful days. Enjoy your peace of mind and your doggie chores. ??
Congratulations, Carl! You must be so excited, especially knowing you don’t have to wait for a third Post It! SCV is undoubtedly a changed place in your absence. 😉
And hey, you may yet have a chance for more good to come of your illness. Check out this amazing article:
https://www.nbcnews.com/health/health-care/doctors-push-treatment-coronavirus-blood-recovered-patients-n1158476
Woohoo!!!!! I’m so happy for you!
Congrats Carl!!! Hip hip hooray!
love how his own website says this.
Avoid close contact with people who are sick
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
YAY! I had been waiting to read this blog!! I am so happy for you that you are returning home. Thank you Carl for sharing your journey with this virus. Reading your blog helped in so many different ways. I wish you a very happy and comforting homecoming from all those who love you and I wish you well. I’ll be checking back once and a while to see if you post any post-virus blogs. I’d like to read how you are transitioning to this different world that we now “temporary” live-in.
Again, thank you and well wishes to you and Jeri!! Whoo hoo!!
I am thrilled that you’re gonna be home Carl you need to publish a book
Thank you for sharing all of you blogs may God Bless you and your wife and family for your entire life
This is a bat sh*t crazy world were living in. Today, I was unfriended by someone on FB who told me that ordering a 24 roll of TP two weeks ago was hoarding TP. Another person told me I was selfish for even taking my dogs to the dog park.
Carl, congrats on the news and thank you so much for your candid and even comedic journal of events as you endured this life experience. Wishing you all the best for an undoubtedly tearful reunion to come. Cheers, and safe travels.
Congrats Carl! Keep posting about the follow ups, etc.
Also if you need anyone to mail you some straws when your stockpile runs out let me know.
Cheers!
I’m am so happy you are going home. But I’m REALLY going to miss your blogs. I looked forward to checking in on them every day. Thank you for sharing your journey.
Carl, is there anyway you can ask the doctors at Omaha before you leave which is better for the treatment and fever of the Corona virus, ibuprofen or acetaminophen? There’s a hot debate going on right now, with doctors in France claiming that ibuprofen hinders the immune system response. I know your doctors preferred ibuprofen, which is contrary to what France prefers which is acetaminophen. I’m glad to hear you’re out of there! Thanks so much for telling your story and keeping us updated.every little tidbit of information you’ve provided us has been so very valuable. Thanks again and enjoy freedom!
Good question. I’ve been wondering the same. Also, is your participation in the medical study finished now? And finally, I was wondering if they have studied Jeri to understand why she managed to avoid catching this dreadful disease? Perhaps she’s just a better hand washer than most but would be interesting to know if there is a more scientific explanation.
Anyway, big congrats on your negative tests and your release from captivity! I’ve appreciated following your story and am glad for the “insider” information that you’ve shared. It’s appalling to hear about the negative reactions you and Jeri have received from some. Nothing like a crisis to separate those with open hearts from those with closed minds.
Take care, enjoy your poop-scooping (and hope Jeri has been vacuuming her heart out!) and of course, Go Blue! From an Ann Arbor gal!
Go Carl!! I’m so happy for you!! Now go pick up dog poop til your hearts content!! Haha!!
Bless you Carl! It was a long time coming. I was getting ready to suggest extreme experimental measures, like sitting in a hot bath for hours a day, thinking maybe you could roast the remaining virus out. Thank goodness you don’t have to do that. Enjoy your freedom. I wish you had something more sane to come back to, but this too shall pass.
Yayyyyyy!!! Very happy to read that you are a free man!
Will miss your posts. Welcome home!!!
Yayyyy!! Very happy you are coming home. Will miss your posts. Welcome home, Carl!!!
Congratulations, Carl! We need you here in Santa Clarita to keep us current on our COVID 19 situation. You all have done a great job when the fires were here. Welcome home!
Congratulations Carl! SCV not the same without you! After zapping bring your deflated balloon home (like Flat Stanley), you need to keep it with you! Have a good night and safe travels home! ?
So glad to hear that you’re being released! You have a cheerleader up here in ground-zero Seattle.
I only hope that you can continue your blog, if time allows.
My best to you, Jeri, and your pups.
Happy pooper-scooping!
Carl! I have cried so hard! After following your journey I am so extremely happy for you! Please keep us informed of anything new you receive from doctors and please please please don’t stop blogging. Maybe you can be our link to those great doctors in Nebraska or hold some sort of live chats. Enjoy your freedom! God Bless you and your wife!
Fantastic news! If you’re given the chance, stop at Runza and get a Runza and side of fries! As a military brat stationed there I can safely say if you have one, your Omaha experience will be compete. God bless you and thank you for sharing all that you have with us over the past forty days. You’ve calmed many people nationwide, and your humor has been needed.
Yayy!!!Im so happy for you. …
I have been following your journey and praying for the day you get to go home. I am so happy that you get to be reunited with your wife. It gives me hope that there could be an end to all this craziness. Thank you for sharing your journey.
Praise God! So glad to hear you’re on your way to freedom! I’ve appreciated yours and Jeri’s attitude and perspectives through this. I will definitely miss reading your blogs! Take care!
Well that was a pleasant surprise – let out early for good behavior! Should be plenty of room on the plane ride home as no one seems to be flying…
Welcome home.
This post brought me to tears. You don’t even know us, but our family is so happy you’re coming home! Safe travels and enjoy being home with your loved ones (but we will sure miss your uplifting daily journal, please consider to continue, you have fans!).
Thanks God finally you’re going home .We are so happy for you.
This has given me so much hope the whole time. I am so happy to hear such a negative ending.
Haha get it/ negative/ 🙂
Truly/ enjoy the poop pick up, and loss of the remote. Oh and btw- bidets have been sold out on Amazon for sometime. Lucky me, I bought one after reading your first post on the boat- AND a large container of powdered gatorade 🙂
Halle “f’in” leuia!
I teared up…so happy for you, your wife, family and your pooches. Have a safe trip…see you back in the hood.
I was randomly scrolling FB and saw the headline and screamed out loud: “He’s going home!!!!” My daughter knew right away what I meant and came to look…:) That’s the best news today! I’ve been following for a couple of weeks…I’m so happy for you! Good luck with the rest of your recovery. And while the world is so crazy right now there is so much good still too, as you already know:) your sense of humor including! Thank you.
Wonderful news! I hope you keep us updated as you transition back to the real world though that world has gotten a lot less normal since you’ve been quarantined. Your posts have been a much needed comfort in this confusing time. Life after Covid-19 seems so far off for most of us now.
This news makes me so incredibly happy for you! I’ve been reading your blog daily, praying these results would be the case soon! I read your blogs to my husband and daughter and refer to you as “My friend Carl.” 🙂 Thank you for being so open and helping us all not to go off the deep end amidst all of this craziness! Praying for a fantastic and smooth transition home!
Thank You LORD for answering our prayers that mr. Goldman is home. Thank you for giving him the best medical team and may Your loving hand beyond them all. Yay!!!!!!
Welcome home mr. Goldman. Although I won’t see you in the check out line at vons anymore, I retired. I pray our paths will cross again.
Outstanding news! Congratulations Carol.
Is it an accident or coincidence that your ordeal has taken 40 days?
The number 40 has great significance within the Torah (the Old Testament in the Christian Bible). The number 40 represents a transition; a renewal; a new beginning.
Your ordeal is a lesson to be learned for all of us, and lead by your example. How to remain calm, how to always look for the brighter side, how to accept the unknown, how to remain humble. How to never give up. Believe it or not, each one is a blessing.
Thank you Carl for teaching all of us!
See you in town!
With all humility Carol … I mean CARL!
Such wonderful news! Welcome home!
Congratulations. Happy for you. Will you continue to write your blog? Love reading them
You have had such a positive attitude during this difficult journey you’ve endured. Loved reading your blog and so glad you’re finally better and able to go home to your loved ones!! God bless and best wishes from Connecticut!
I am so happy for you! Thank you again for your journal, the media is making my anxiety go through the roof, I even forgot to check your blog yesterday, so seeing this, this is the positive news that is missing from the media coverage. Congratulations! Go home, pick up poop so you can smell the flowers. ? (btw, does the crowd control rules apply to you since you’ve already had this?)
From Buffalo, NY
Yay!!!!!! Freeedom! You have earned it!
Yay welcome home !! We’d have a parade for you but ….
God bless you and your positivity through your ordeal you’ve given a lot of people hope ???????
We’ll wave from our balconies ?
Welcome home Carl. I’ve enjoyed reading your posts and your wife’s too. I look forward to hearing you reporting on KHTS soon.
That’s really great news, Carl! Congratulations. I hope your trip home is safe and speedy. Best wishes!
Congrats and wishes for continued good health from Central Ohio! Go Bucks!
Congratulations, Carl!
Like everyone, I’m thrilled for you, Jeri and your family that you’re healthy and being released! You have lived through an extraordinary experience and still had the presence of mind to document it all – and with humor. You helped your readers by providing a factual account of the virus, your medical teams management of your care and most of all your journey back to health. At times, you were the source for the most up-to-date medical information on the Coronavirus. Your doctor’s and nurses are going to miss you.
By the way, your station’s website is amazing….well done!
Best,
Debi
C arl, O nward, V ictorious, I nspirational, D one !!
Hi Carl,
So happy you’re going home! Have followed your posts from the beginning. I hope you continue reports for a time so we see how you transition back to “normal” life. So happy you and Jeri will reunite!
Take care,
Hi Carl
So so happy for you and your family – fantastic news!!
Congratulations Carl! You’ll be one of the few people who can now roam the streets freely!
Hey Carl, why dont you report on your son’s health while he is back in a federal prison. Would be a great read! Also your last post saying the coronavirus was just a mild cold is ridiculous. People are dying and you just brush it off. Carl you are not special. Please stop reporting to the community that you are. Thank you
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
Hey Carl, why dont you report on your son’s health while he is back in a federal prison. Would be a great read! Also your last post saying the coronavirus was just a mild cold is ridiculous. People are dying and you just brush it off. Carl you are not special. Please stop reporting to the community that you are. Thank you
Welcome home Carl! Finally!
Wonderful news. Nice to hear not only that you are doing well but that we are finally getting some positive news.
CONGRATULATIONS sir! Been keeping up with your blog and have to say it the most informative and entertaining of all coronavirus news. I hope you and your wife can enjoy a great home delivered meal.
Congratulations!!! So happy for you and your family. I’ve been following each blog you’ve written. Thank you for sharing your journey with the rest of us. You have a wonderful sense of humor. See you around SCV. Best to you! Welcome Home!
Hey – such great news! A friend has been forwarding your blogs. What a great attitude you and your family have displayed. Yes, the world will be different here in Santa Clarita from what you left. Hoping your welcoming committee are all safe and healthy. And I’m so happy to hear about the safety measures taken with your MICHIGAN SWEATSHIRT! Go Blue ~ All The Way! Be well!
Oh so very happy for you!!! I’ve been following your story for a while now, and I just have a quick funny thing for you, that I thought Jeri might enjoy. When I first started reading your blog I couldn’t keep the Jerri/Jeri name game straight. Finally I came up with something. YOUR wife is JERI, not Jerri. How do I know? Your wife vacuumed up the excessive R. ?? Hopefully she will get a vacuum cleaner sponsorship opportunity when this is over!!!!
Also I will never look at Post it Notes, plastic straws, or an Eagles hat and not think of you!!! Over the moon excited for you!! Praying for you and your family over the next few months as I know this will be a trying time for all of you!!
Take care- safe travels home!!!
CARL, Thanks be to God!!!!
Dear Carl Goldman!
Congratulations, I’m happy for you.
Health and peace.
Carlos Barros
Hooray! Thrilled for you. I know your wife is thrilled to have you home. Safe travels home, and I’m hoping the haters get the sticks out of their rears and treat y’all with kindness, because you deserve all the positivity in the world. Home never looked so good, I’m sure!!
Best wishes….very happy you are free of the V. I very much enjoyed reading your journey…may good health keep coming your way, cheers to that.
Finally, I’m so happy to hear you are at the end of a long journey and can now go home and be with your wife, I’ve enjoyed reading your post, I’ve laughed, cried and learned somethings, I appreciate the fact that you took time out and helped enlighten us out here, so happy you are well,
Take care
Sincerely
Ps: Omaha, Nebraska is now definitely on my list to visit.
Hi Carl, You and Jeri have become heroes of our community and city. You both had an incredible journey and has inspired a lot of us !
Welcome home, my friend…
Way to go Carl! I am very happy for you. I have been following your saga since day 1. You are a remarkable person. You battled this virus with such humor and calmness. Take care and hope you enjoy your flight back to Cali. Stay safe and stay negative (from corona)?.
Just finished watching your interview with Bill Hemmer on FOX News. Now you and your wife have a series on FOX Nation? – WOW. I’ll have to subscribe for the first month for .99c!
Did you have the opportunity to try any of the local restaurants in Omaha – or did you make a quick beeline for Eppley Airfield for your return flight(s) home? How was your trip through Iowa on the way to the airport?
Do tell us about your flights! – airline flown, any connections, service on board and load factors? My hunch is that the load factors were very, very light. Last time I flew the route, American and Delta were flying nonstop to/from LAX and Omaha.
Now that you’re home – you should sneak out of the house – and do a “man on the street” report – LIVE from the Vons at Sand Canyon and give us the daily scoop as to what people are hoarding!
SO_CAL_RETAIL_SLUT
Welcome home, Carl! Welcome home.
Carl, My children attend St. Anthony’s School in Columbus, NE (they sent all of the cards). They are extremely happy and excited that you are cleared to go home and be with your family. School has been closed here in Columbus so the kids have been asking to check your journal daily in hopes that you got the GOOD NEWS! Safe travels from all your new friends in NE.
This is absolutely the bright spot in my day. Thins are a little frightening here in NYC.
Thank you for all you’ve given us. I hope you’ll continue to blog, now and then, and keep us updated on your friends, Mark and Jerri.