There are many Rutherford Countians courageously fighting coronavirus. One of those is John Mitchell, development director with the Salvation Army of Rutherford and Cannon Counties. He wanted to share his experience with us, so those who don't understand or are skeptical of the seriousness of the virus, might learn more about it.

Mitchell first felt symptoms of fever and fatigue around March 28th:

John went to the emergency room at Ascension St. Thomas several days after the onset of symptoms and a fever of 102.9. He remained there for eight-days:



John says while there was a ventilator in his room, it was never used. His oxygen levels stayed just below the levels deemed necessary for ventilator use. He was released from the hospital on Monday (April 13) and sent home on oxygen.

John's wife, Michelle, has just received a COVID-19 positive result. For her, he says symptoms were minor and started about the same time as his:



You can contact the Rutherford County Health Department online at http://health.rutherfordcountytn.gov/ or by calling 615-898-7880.

John says there were many things that got him through some tough days. His family, his New Vision Church family and many friends were a huge encouragement:



For Bryan Barrett's full interview with John Mitchell, click the player below.