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Carl Goldman’s Continuing Adventures In Coronavirus COVID-19 Quarantine: Part 22

As KHTS Owner Carl Goldman recovers in Nebraska from COVID-19, also known as the coronavirus, he is continuing to write about his experiences in quarantine.

Back In The States With The Coronavirus – Day 30 (Thursday)

Jeri and I have been the epicenter of media requests since we first went public, three days into our quarantine on the Diamond Princess on Feb. 7. Since then, we’ve had interview requests from all over the world. 

Today I had a request from GQ Magazine. For those who know me, I’m about as GQ as Kramer on the Jerry Seinfeld show. I plan to send GQ a picture of me from my biocontainment room featuring my out-of-control CDC hairdo to determine if they still want to connect. 

Luckily, I carried a change of clothes when I boarded the plane in Tokyo back to the states. My medical staff purchased an additional outfit for me when they tired of my Michigan gear, replacing it with a red “Huskers” shirt. Laundry is happening every other day. I believe GQ will be proud of my choice of rotations.

If the coronavirus, COVID-19, continues to wreak havoc on our lifestyle, next year’s Academy Awards will be delivered in hazmat suits, refs will wear air filters on their backs during the Superbowl and the Sports Illustrated annual swimsuit issue will be very disappointing.

This morning my medical team took tests for my clinical study. They enter wearing full garb, no longer dressed in full hazmat suits. That stopped after I moved from the bio-containment area at Nebraska Medicine in Omaha on Feb. 26.

My doctor and nurses wear plastic gear covering their bodies. Disposable plastic covers their feet. Three layers of gloves continue to make drawing blood a challenge. They wear a mask and a large plastic visor protecting their face. I answer my door also wearing a mask, proudly displaying my CDC hairdo.

I suspect there’s a run of designer hazmat suits on Rodeo Drive. I stand a better chance of picking up their lower grade plastic outfit for my 2020 Halloween costume.

Today was a “draw my blood” and “swab my eyelids” day. It’s part of the clinical study that I volunteered for to help provide answers to the mysteries of the novel corona virus, COVID-19. My nursing team made my day by skipping my rectal swab. I could look forward to that again next week. I’m finding it’s the simple things in life that make a difference when quarantined.

After 29 years of marriage, I believe a small piece of my silly sense of humor is wearing off on my wife, Jeri. On Monday, the day of her release to freedom from her isolated quarantine, she was part of a press conference with many Nebraska officials including Governor Pete Ricketts. Instead of shaking his hand, Jeri asked the Governor if they could touch elbows. Everyone picked up on her funny, but timely suggestion. CNN captured the moment, posting it on their Instagram.

A care package arrived containing a stash of useful goodies from Amber Raskin and her team at SCVi Charter School, iLead Schools. The items were very thoughtful, although the “Big Book of Farty Facts” will need to be updated with a few of my coronavirus rectal exploits.

Readers, including a slew of attorneys, reached out after I shared that our house sitter Shane was fired from his job on Tuesday because he was in contact with my wife when she returned home. Jeri never had the virus. Shane now has some terrific job offers and probably one hell of a solid lawsuit. We have so many angels in Santa Clarita and obviously one bozo.

While the reaction to Jeri’s return to Santa Clarita has been welcoming, she’s had dozens of negative responses. It’s disheartening. Yesterday, I commented that when I return from Omaha when I am no longer contagious, a few will want to burn me on a stake like the Massachusetts Salem Witch Trials in 1693. 

Kathy Kellar shared that her great, great, great, etc. grandmother was the first witch to die in Salem. Kathy and I are close friends, but that’s a piece of trivia I hadn’t known. Maybe Kathy and I can proudly wear our Scarlet Letters as we’re paraded down the streets of Old Town Newhall. Our spouses, Bob and Jeri, can lead the way swinging burning incense and chanting “the lepers have arrived.”

Another reader asked if I could have the virus forever. That would be a first. Everyone who has the virus has either recovered or died of respiratory failure. My day will come when I will test negative three days in a row.

Our original 15 patients from the Diamond Princess transported to Omaha are now down to eight. Seven have returned home, free of the virus. Two (one was my wife) never picked up the virus. There’s a light at the end of the tunnel when the virus will shed from my body. I just have to remain patient.

We have a Santa Clarita PIO (Public Information Officer) group that meets quarterly. I was part of the original team when it was established 16 years ago. It was the brainchild of Gail Morgan, who headed up communications for our city for many decades. The group is diverse, made up of PIO’s from our first responders, politicians, schools, hospitals, utilities and some of our larger Santa Clarita businesses like Six Flags Magic Mountain and Princess Cruises.

After Gail (Foy, Ortiz) Morgan retired, Carrie Lujan replaced her as the Communications Manager for the City of Santa Clarita. Earlier this week, Carrie called an emergency PIO coronavirus meeting at city hall as a way for our valley to remain proactive and stay one step ahead of a possible outbreak. 

I taped a brief video message to the group from my Omaha quarantined room, appealing to assist in keeping everyone calm. They returned with a video sharing well wishes from the group. I smiled because all the individuals in the video love to talk (including me). It was the shortest statement any PIO ever made. I’ll save it for my archives and as ammunition and evidence the next time one of our reporters wants a brief statement from any of them.

The official number of victims of the virus from the Diamond Princess is at 706 of the 3,500+ passengers and crew onboard. That number unfortunately will probably grow. Today 2,000 new victims have the virus worldwide, yet 3,000 who had it, are now negative and allowed to return home.

As I turn in for the night, I’m hopeful tomorrow’s Post-it will be negative. I’m thankful for making it through my day without a swab shoved up my butt and praying I’ll be released before the results of the now distant Iowa caucus are solidified.

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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Carl Goldman’s Continuing Adventures In Coronavirus COVID-19 Quarantine: Part 22

30 comments

  1. I am praying that tomorrow you will have negative test results. Thank you for all the blogs. I am looking forward to reading your blog tomorrow.

  2. Hi Carl. Please don’t give negative thoughts any value. Wishing you the best. I enjoy your updates. ??

  3. Carl!
    As a family we look forward to your blog each day- thank you for continuing to keep us updated with factual information on a daily basis. We are rooting for you everyday and can’t wait for your return. Although, we will really miss your blogs. But it will be worth it to see you home reunited with your family. You’re a rock solid guy! Most of us would go crazy being quarantined like that for so long. You truly have been inspirational and informative. We are all wishing you a SPEEDIER recovery and the best of health!!! Cheers to 3 days of NEGATIVE nose swabs!!!

  4. Hang in there Carl and thank you so much for your posts, wisdom and awesome sense of humor. No doubt the latter is helping you through this. My family and co-workers up in the Antelope Valley are all praying for you, as well as Jeri. Hope you get to go home soon!!

  5. Glad to hear from you and Jeri. Ignore those nasty people because they don’t deserve another moment of your precious life,

  6. Carl, praying for your return and a negative on the tests. I love and appreciate your humor and sense of humor during this trying time. I can’t even imagine being gone for almost 2 months. Hurry home..

  7. Honestly – I can’t imagine what the nasty people are being nasty about! You are doing a terrific service by sharing you experience – and you and your wife have been nothing but thoughtful… and brave!

  8. Karl, your sense of humor has been sorely tested and it tests negative for any disease! We are all rooting for you.

  9. Carl, your sense of humor has been sorely tested and it tests negative for any disease! We are all rooting for you.

  10. Hello Carl. I, like so many others, look forward to reading your daily posts. I am so impressed with your positive attitude and your sense of humor. I don’t know how but you seem calm. Wish that calmness could be shared by all those in line at Costco ?. Take care and keep the faith. I’m praying for you and Jeri, not just today but for all the days to come. God bless you.

  11. Thanks for participating in the study. You are saving lives through research.

  12. Carl although you’ve been in quarantine for 30 days your sense of humor keeps a smile on my face as you update us on this corona virus that has gone out of control with the news media. I am praying for your negative tests tomorrow so that you can be home with your wonderful wife. Steven and I can’t wait to see you and we would love to see Jeri. People who make negative hateful comments are nuts. They are the ones that keep the drama going but Us sensible analytical knowledgeable smart people know that everything is safe. Please keep the reports coming hopefully it helps you but it also helps us stay in touch with you.

  13. Every single night I read your blog! It is the only REAL bit of information we can truly count on!!

    Thanks so much
    Michelle

  14. Thank you for your posts. I have been following you from New York. I keep hoping and praying that you can return home soon. ? In a world of hysteria, although the virus is deadly, your posts give some hope and valuable information. Thanks again and I hope you get a negative post-it soon! ?

  15. Carl your difficult journey has taught all of us to face adversity with humor. Your blogs are simply amazing. Shane was my student at COC not long ago and he’s a great young man. He certainly didn’t deserve what he got, nor did Jeri. Blessings and continued prayers to you.

  16. hey…I’m watching Channel 5…can’t wait to see your interview!!! Give them the ole Carl charm?

  17. Sending prayers for your recovery. Wonderful interview on KTLA 5.
    I’m sorry about the people who have been horrible to your wife and to your dog sitter.
    God Bless you and your family.

  18. Hi Carl, I’d like to say how brave and humbling you’ve been as you write with such humor and courage.
    The way you have adapted to this difficult trial that has left you secluded, with so little. Amazing how you chose to keep everyone in SC informed, not panicked.
    I don’t know you but I feel I “know” you now after reading everything you’ve written. It makes me stronger in my daily routine, it’s hectic and painful at times. I thank you for helping me and many others realize how Blessed we truly are. We can do without so much, we have more than most in our town. I know God has a plan for you, He may be using you to bring family together, even though you are alone. It’s beautiful you have a wonderful, kind attitude, you give us hope.
    Thank you for sharing, we love reading your posts. God Bless you and your family, praying for your return, Godspeed!
    I’m wondering if you could possibly have a pet to keep you company. The shelters or rescues will be able to help with this I’m sure. I have 4 Huskies, they’re the best, after my surgery and daily, they bring happiness. I’ll lend you Jax, he can sleep anywhere!

  19. I can only imagine how wonderful it must have made Jeri feel to be free after so many days in confinement. I trust you will enjoy your freedom even more when it comes in a few days. Stay strong and get well soon. Just a thought… what if you give up COVID-19 for Lent?

  20. Hi Carl! Steve and I continue to pray for your recovery!! Glad to hear that Jeri is home safe and sound. Your comments are inspiring and that it’s best to make the best out of any situation. Hang in there!!
    All the best
    Lauren and Steve

  21. Hi Carl! I am really sorry that you have to go through this and I commend you for your grace, humor and patience. I did send an email to your personal one a while back. It has been fascinating to watch and listen to your journey. You and Jeri are welcome at my home anytime. I am appalled at some of the reactions. Some folks just never mentally mature, it seems. I do hope that Shane benefits well. How shameful his old boss should be. I am glad that your cruise was at least a lovely time before all went to heck. Those eyelid swabs sound just awful. ;( Wishing you negative results and sending some prayers on your behalf. God Bless, Suzanne

  22. Mr. Goldman,
    Hope you will recover fully very soon.
    Advice for your doctors:
    1) Check ALL belongings, including the hat, which could be harboring the virus?
    2) Consider that Carl could be having a ‘false positive’ test after all this time. Is it known that
    any pre-existing illnesses, or medications can interfere with the test? Is there another test?
    3)

  23. Stay strong!!! You’ve been such a patient patient!! Keep up your great sense of humor!!!

  24. Hi Carl, echoing the others in thanking you for your continuous updates. I’m glad you have contact with the outside world and at least have things available to keep you from going too stir crazy.

    I wrote a research paper in college in the 1980s on the then-still-new & growing HIV/AIDS epidemic. I was struck by all the misinformation circulating in common dialogue. As a society, we’ve learned so much since then, and even recently with things like SARS and Ebola, so I’m very frustrated at the leper mentality too many people still have. There is a 100% cure for ignorance, which is education & supply of proper facts. Unfortunately there is no cure for willful ignorance, but that doesn’t mean we should stop trying to educate others, and I’m thankful you’re doing your part to help with that cure from where you are. It’s so important. You’re very inspirational to the rest of us.

    I have family in Santa Clarita and I’m there several times a month, so if there’s anything I can do to help your wife (and/or your dogs), please let me know. I won’t hesitate. I’m so glad you’ve got plenty of media attention so you can help calm and educate others here & around the world; it’s the least I can do.

    Sending cheers & hugs from the AV! [shakes pom-pom]

  25. Carl ~ the people in Valencia should probably be more concerned that the COVID 19 tests are not available at Henry Mayo or other doctor’s offices. I have symptoms. Exposed to someone who traveled to China in the hotspot. Went to a SCV doctor on Thursday. Had a slight fever (100), cough and body aches. But I did not meet the CDC guidelines for the test since it has been more than 14 days since my possible exposure and my fever was not high enough. My doctor prescribed antibiotics and steroids and told me to stay home so I am. And then proceeded to tell me the nearest facility with the test is in Pasadena! Reading your story and hearing you have been a positive carrier for a month scares me since I could also be a carrier but yet I don’t meet the guidelines for the COVID test. My employer does not want me to return to work until I have a clear test – now I have to find some place that will test me so I can return to work.

    • Joanie,
      That is a big problem (understatement) that you couldn’t get tested for so long. I would call your doctor again tell him/her that Mike Pence announced that everyone can now get tested:

      The Centers for Disease Control is issuing new guidance that anyone can be tested for COVID-19 with no restrictions, subject to a doctor’s orders, Vice President Mike Pence announced in a briefing with reporters Tuesday evening.

      The CDC’s previous guidance was limited to people who traveled to countries affected by the novel coronavirus outbreaks and came in contact with a diagnosed patient or showed severe symptoms. But Pence said several governors raised concerns that people with only mild symptoms wouldn’t be tested.

      “Today, we will issue new guidance from the CDC that will make it clear that any American can be tested no restrictions, subject to doctors’ orders,” Pence said. “Several governors said to me that there was an impression that the test would not be administered to people who were only mildly symptomatic. We are issuing new guidance — effective immediately — from the CDC that will make it clear that any clinician on health authority can administer the test.”

  26. Sir,

    What a public service you are providing this first hand information. We are indeed lucky in SCV to have the Goldmans as part of por community.

    Love and prayers your way.

  27. Carl,

    For how long did you have a low grade fever? According to Harvard, patients with this virus can present with a low grade, not high, fever. I’ve had a low grade fever for over 2 weeks, with a cough, but cannot get tested. Would greatly appreciate details about the clinical course of your symptoms. I’ve self quarantined, besides going to urgent care twice. Thank you

  28. Wishing you a speedy recovery. Thanks for your willingness to speak to the media and the public. Glad to hear your friend now has several good job offers. Great reminder for everyone to stay calm & be kind.

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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.