Former long-term Great Lakes Shire mayor and serving MidCoast Council councillor, Jan McWilliams is recovering in Manning Hospital following complications associated with the coronavirus.
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Speaking from her hospital bed, Ms McWilliams assured she was doing well after collapsing at home last night, Monday, March 30.
"My legs and arms gave way and I couldn't move," she said.
Despite being unable to move for a good 10 minutes (or so), and banging her head and shoulder, Ms McWilliams was positive about a good recovery.
With partner Dennis still in isolated, Ms McWilliams was transported to hospital by ambulance.
It was a free for all.
- Jan McWilliams
"I'm feeling very fatigued and washed out, " she said.
"It really knocks you around; it is terrible.
"But, I'm okay."
The couple has been isolating in their Forster home for the past fortnight after contracting COVID-19 following a cruise on the Ovation of the Seas.
Refused entry into New Zealand, the liner was forced to cruise around the Tasman for six days.
Ms McWilliams said she was surprised when the captain announced to the 4000 passengers they would not have to isolate.
Berthing in Sydney on March 18, the couple was in for yet further surprise when they were allowed straight off the ship without authorities checking passports or documents.
"It was a free for all."
Suffering throughout most of the trip from what she thought was sea-sickness, a positive result for COVID-19 came as no surprise.
A stoic Ms McWilliams is confident she will be back on her feet and back in council chambers in the not too distant future.
People who had been on the Ovation of the Seas were assured in writing by NSW Health officials, and verbally while on the vessel, that they did not need to go into self-quarantine.
Jeanene Duncan
Jeanene has more than 40 years experience as a regional and rural journalist starting at The Land Newspaper. She also worked for Stock Journal Newspaper (SA), McPherson, Fairfax newspapers and Rural Press, and contributed to various magazines.
Jeanene has more than 40 years experience as a regional and rural journalist starting at The Land Newspaper. She also worked for Stock Journal Newspaper (SA), McPherson, Fairfax newspapers and Rural Press, and contributed to various magazines.
