KHTS Radio Santa Clarita Radio – Santa Clarita News
Carl Goldman is continuing his coronavirus COVID-19 quarantine in Nebraska as the virus has been officially declared a pandemic.
Back In The States With The Coronavirus – Day 36 (Wednesday)
Today the World Health Organization declared the coronavirus, COVID-19, a pandemic. President Trump banned travel to and from every European country except England. The NBA canceled their season, a first since 1945 with the outbreak of World War II. Tom Hanks and his wife became the first major celebrities to come down with the virus. I suspect others will follow.
I am waiting patiently in my Nebraska Medicine quarantined room in Omaha. I can’t go outside. My double-pane sealed glass window doesn’t open. I’m not allowed to go out my door. I good-naturedly wait for the virus to leave my body. Stress will only further impact my immune system.
I’m not the only one waiting. Two 747 military cargo planes flew 300 Americans from the Diamond Princess back to the states on February 17. Many, like me, still have the virus. Today, our doctors at Nebraska Medicine held a conference call with CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) scientists to figure out why so many of us are still testing positive for the virus, well beyond the 14 days since picking it up.
They’ve decided to try a new form of testing tomorrow. In addition to my swab test for the Nebraska Medicine lab, a sample will be flown to Atlanta. As I understand it, they will keep my sample in a petri dish, letting the culture grow for three, four, five days, testing it each day for signs of the virus. This will be done with all the slow shedders. Hopefully, they’ll learn something. Maybe we are still testing positive while no longer being contagious. The novel corona virus, COVID-19, is currently causing more questions than answers.
Yesterday, I defended my comment about Cher at the age of 73 still having plenty of time to get pregnant. I based my defense on the numerous National Enquirer headlines I glanced at while in line at our local Vons grocery store.
Terry Shrivener, one of my Vons cashiers, gave me a shout out. Her hello got me thinking of all the current National Enquirer headlines I’ve been missing since leaving Santa Clarita on January 17. “Coronavirus Originated on Mars,” “Elvis Still Alive, Testing Positive,” “Hillary’s Emails Uncovered, Found To Be Virus Free.” The possibilities are endless.
Early this morning, “60 Minutes” began their set up outside my quarantined window for my interview with anchor Bill Whitaker. It was like a Hollywood set. Two cameras, a pole of lights, a sound engineer and many assistants. I believe CBS had to fly in a special union employee just to clean my window.
Since the bottom of my window is five feet off my floor, I had to stand on a chair for the interview. With both my feet totally numb from my Guillain-Barre syndrome, standing on the chair for our 45-minute interview was quite a feat (very poor pun intended).
It’s too bad “60 Minutes” is way too serious of a news show to reveal funny outtakes during their credits the way some movies do. Bill Whitaker grimacing even more than me as he squatted the entire 45-minutes so we could be at eye level throughout our interview is just one of many moments I am sure will end up on the CBS cutting room floor. Lost to everyone, except maybe the National Enquirer.
Dr. Shelley Feldman gave insight into my Guillain-Barre Syndrome. I consider her a genius. She’s been the premier doctor in Santa Clarita for decades with her Prima Pediatrics practice. She’s KHTS’s go-to pediatrician.
She corrected me, that my Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) is an autoimmune disease, not anti-immune. The IVIG treatment boosts my immune system so I’m able fight off the GBS better. Dr. Feldman believes my slow shedding of the coronavirus, COVID-19, may be the Guillain Barre itself because it screws up my immune system. That makes sense.
I believe my Omaha doctors want to delay treating my GBS because they still know so little about the coronavirus, COVID-19. They don’t want to mess with it by mixing something else into my body. It’s their same thinking for not allowing me Vitamin C infusions.
The other day, I mentioned that my wife, Jeri, was now handling all our household chores, including the one task I dread but now miss: picking up the dog poop in our backyard. A few readers invited me to pick up the dog poop in their yards when I return to Santa Clarita. No one offered to relieve Jeri of the nasty task while I’m away. Hmmm.
A reader suggested that I be allowed to walk outside, even if I get to wear a hazmat suit. I feel for the doctors and nurses who maneuver in hazmat gear. The suits are close to what Neil Armstrong wore on the moon. Not only are they extremely uncomfortable, they are totally sealed off from the outside environment. Taking a walk outside in one will not improve my lack of contact with nature unless I roll in the grass in my hazmat suit the way my dogs do in our backyard. Thankfully after I’ve picked up their poop.
Throughout my quarantine, I’ve been playing music on my laptop by a very talented Nashville country singer. Savannah Burrows grew up in Santa Clarita. We’ve been playing her music on KHTS FM-98.1 and AM-1220 and assisting her career since she was in junior high school.
Recently Savannah released two new songs, “Hard To Get” and “Wingman.” I love playing both her songs on my laptop. They bring back fond memories of us assisting Savannah’s career. The songs reconnect me to Santa Clarita. She has a bright future in Music City.
The other night, Savannah called me on FaceTime. She sang a new song she had written 15 minutes earlier. I was touched, kidding her that now all I needed was her T-shirt so I could rotate it with the other three outfits I possess in Omaha. The next morning a FedEx package arrived. I now have four shirts to rotate: Savannah Burrows, two Michigan shirts and my new red “Huskers” shirt. My laundry can now slow down by 25 percent. Click on her website or her Instagram to enjoy.
Another day has zipped by. Closing out my 36th day of quarantine, I turn out my light, dreaming about my return home to Santa Clarita. I’ll give Jeri a big hug and treasure my chore of cleaning up the dog poop.
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
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.
Hi Carl,
I look forward to reading your posts every day and each day I open your new post I hope it has a negative yellow post it note as the top picture. One day it will. A fan in New York is cheering you and your recovery on. Good luck!
You have two fans in NY! Maybe you can get a Netflix contract when you get out and do a standup special about your experience!
Carl,
Thanks for sharing your corona virus journey.
Your body is fighting off 2 viruses at the same time. That is hard work, happening 24/7.
Are you still walking the 10,000 steps each day? That is amazing.
Glad you are participating in the clinical trial. This should give more information for others who may get this corona virus. And we need to learn a lot more about this virus to figure out how to outfox it.
Your positive attitude will help you through this. I know you are looking forward to returning home.
And you will make it home. On your own time schedule.
I am praying that you will see negative test results soon.
All the best to you, Carl.
Carl — Fellow L.A. person here (but currently living abroad). Like Diana, I look forward to reading your updates every day, even though I can’t wait for the one where you tell us all you are back in Santa Clarita with Jeri again (and the dogs!). 🙂 I am very glad you manage to have a sense of humor with all this, too — so important! 🙂 Continuing to send prayers, Natalia
Still enjoying your posts – you manage to make them interesting each day. I think we will all cheer with you the day that test comes back negative. But then you’re going to have to start a weekly column of some sort to satisfy the males – we’ve grown accustomed to your ramblings now!
I’ve read every single one of your new posts since I found your story on my news app over a month ago. Hoping you get to go home soon but until then your new posts each day really are an interesting and fun read. With all the stress going on around the world with this, your posts actually give me comfort in all of this chaos.
Carl keep feeling better we are keeping you in our prayers. Love from Oregon
Hi Carl,
I read your posts every day. I feel a little guilty saying I look forward to reading them. I want to say I look forward to not reading them any longer! I think we need to have a home town parade for you when you get to come home. Unfortunately we can’t have parades either right now. We will leave it to being very very happy to see you home.
Until then, keep up the stiff upper lip and the great attitude!
Hi Carl! I’m a reporter for Travel + Leisure. Are you willing to talk to us about your experience? millerkorin@gmail.com.
Thanks!
Mr. Goldman please know these journal entries are extremely valuable information. Your first hand knowledge and perspective is quite unique.
Carl,
I write to wish you a full recovery very soon. Please note I’m so sorry you and Jeri have had to deal with this situation but can see that your sense of humor is good medicine.
Continue to take care. It will be good to have you back in Santa Clarita all well again.
Carl,
I’ve been keeping an eye on your story for the last few weeks. Thank you so much for doing this, I’m sure it alleviates a ton of stress for people who can see how well you are doing.
Again, thank you for doing this. It’s greatly appreciated my friend.
Carl, You are a joy and all these joy in quarantine! Unbelievable positivity. You have a book in the making, I know it, and I’ll read it!
A nurse here and former Santa Clarita resident. I had the opportunity to test someone today for COVID-16. I find it very interesting that you describe the medical team wearing hazmat type equipment. I followed our hospital protocol and used N-95 mask, eye shield and gown. Awaiting test results is 48-72 hours. The last patient I cared for discharge before the results came back. It feels so odd to not know if the patient you have been caring for truly does or doesn’t have the virus. Wishing you a speedy recovery and discharge.
Carl,
Love your posts and great interview with Sanjay Gupta and Anderson Cooper. It was a great moment when you brought up how you get tested in the rear end. It definitely lightened the mood – we need humor during these tough times. Get well sir.
Enjoy following your story. Many well wishes to you
Hi mr. Goldman,
Great seeing you on the news tonight. You look great and you really help so many stay calm by sharing your journey.
I did tear up a bit. I feel sad you still cant come home to your wife, but soon.?
My BIL and I both think youre scv ‘s local hero. You have helped more people than you probably realize. Thanks for the shout out. I loved working at vons and I miss my customers. Anyhow continued prayers for you and I can’t wait for you to come back home to our city and to your beautiful wife Jeri. What youre going through is not in vain.God has a purpose . You really are helping others.
hey Carl ask the doctors why if the virus doesnt like the heat why hasnt Iran not had any cases since the temp there is in the 80s . Ive been looking at all of the countries temps
Carl, you are the best!
remember our 2008 great award ! I was in awe to be named with you and we worked so great together, it is that time again this year, we are coming back to my town for the nominating event. My new town has closed everything for 2 weeks, it will be interesting to see what these people do, maybe they will want to be friendly to the neighbors like we did in SCV
Can’t wait to see you at the M&WOTY event. I just know you will be there, I will—-
lots of hugs and love and prayers to you
YOU are so special to all
Judy
Thank you, Carl, for sharing your journey. You are obviously trying to make the best out of a difficult situation. Prayers that you will soon be reunited with your wife. Take Care from Virginia!
Good Morning Omaha!
I enjoy your sense of humor. I’d come over to help Jeri clean up the dog poop if I were closer. I have dogs and horses. It’s my specialty along with being lazy and procrastinating. I only live in Palmdale. Sorry. Have it mentioned on the radio. School kids could get extra credit, community service.
Get well soon.
Hello Carl , i had been reading your posts and I pray you recover soon and come back home to your wife , dogs and loved ones . I work at the hospital and stay alert to any news concerning the virus inside our community . Its sad to say that actually what concerns me is the people and not so much the virus itself . As soon as the virus was declared pandemic people had been acting chaotic as you see on the news , fighting for toilet paper and hand sanitizer ..( who knows how will those protect you from the virus) , also cutting in store lines and just showing their worst side in this situation. This shows how much we still need to learn how to be kind and be Human.
Ps : I apologize for all those who had been giving you and your wife mean comments and threats .
We look forward to see you back in town soon ! Take care !
Mr. Goldman,
Thank you for keeping the public educated about the virus. Thank you for sharing with us your journey. Your positive outlook amidst your battle and long quarantine is truly inspiring. Our family will continue to pray for your speedy recovery.
Hi Carl…I’m so sorry that you got another positive. I truly hope that they release you back home to self quarantine. It seems that this is the suggestion for local positives who are not comprised in any other way. Just don’t understand why you can’t do the same. Hoping to read Part 28 that says you’re coming home.
Hi Carl,
Steve and I continue to be impressed with your sense of humor during this quarantine period. Are people offering titles for your new book? A movie perhaps? Or maybe a new “Survivor” series? You will survive and thrive – continued prayers!
Carl! You’ve made me laugh in your posts! Thank you because I’m one who has been quite nervous and needed a good crack up! One serious question for you… do your doctors think your pneumonia vaccine has helped stem the negative effects of those who are fighting pneumonia? By the way, I hate picking up our 2 large dogs poop… maybe you can stop at my place on your way home. ?