Lebanese Siblings Arriving From Different Countries Tested Positive at Airport

AFP | Nadia Bsat

Lebanese journalist Nadia Bsat announced on Twitter that her two children, Tamara and Atef, have arrived in Lebanon each from a different country and both affected by COVID-19.

The Twitter post included a picture of Tamara and Atef on their interview with Nishan on Al-Jadeed via Skype and the following caption:

“There’s no doubt that this is one of the most difficult experiences in life. My children arrived in Lebanon from different countries and the COVID-19 test revealed that they both have the virus.”

It continues: “They met in a hospital room after being apart for six months. The doctor prevented them from hugging and kissing each other, but they were together and close by heart. God Willing, they will win the fight against the virus soon.”

Tamara, who came back home from France, and Atef, who came from Spain, were both diagnosed after receiving the PCR test upon their arrival at Beirut airport. They were immediately transferred to Rafic Hariri University Hospital (RHUH) for treatment.

Both experienced mild symptoms before their trip to Lebanon. Tamara only experienced body aches and a sore throat but she remained very productive and active, so both she and the doctor assumed she had the flu.

Her brother, however, had a high temperature for three days and a cough that wasn’t so bad. Atef was advised to self-quarantine for 14 days, but no other symptoms appeared even long after the two weeks.

This is according to what the siblings revealed in their interview on Al Jadeed.

As for now, Tamara still has the virus while Atef recently tested negative. They both left the hospital and are quarantined at home.

When asked about their experience at RHUH, they assured that they were very well received and taken care of. They thanked and saluted their nurses and doctors who made them feel safe and who were working hard amid tough conditions.

Tamara said, “We became good friends with the nurses, and we’re still in touch.”

The mother, Nadia Bsat, who also arrived from Dubai a short while ago, tested negative though she’s self-quarantined. She still hasn’t reunited with her children.

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