Beloved Guidance Counselor from Pennsylvania Middle School Dies of COVID-19 — Details Here

Kenneth Chitwood tragically lost his wife, Alexandra, at the age of 47 due to complications from the novel coronavirus. Because her condition worsened so quickly, he decided to share the beloved school counselor's story.

On Wednesday evening, Alexandra Chitwood died from acute respiratory failure after contracting COVID-19. For the last nineteen years, she worked with the Manheim Township School District as a counselor, and the whole community is now morning her death.

Alexandra and Kenneth would have celebrated their 10th wedding anniversary with a cruise to Alaska next year. But after both contracted the novel coronavirus, only one of them recovered to make it back to their newly purchased house in Mount Joy.

THE LOSS OF AN 'ANGEL'

During her time working in the Manheim Township community, the 47-year-old became a beloved member while working with the teachers, parents, and students in the area.

Shocked at her passing, the school where Alexandra worked, Manheim Township Middle School, decided to close on Friday while making grief counseling available to their staff and students.

Known for her "bubbly personality," Alexandra was said to be a kind soul who had the ability to brighten any room she walked into. Grieving the loss of his wife, Kenneth said, "We lost an angel way too soon.”

HOW SHE CONTRACTED THE DISEASE

Kenneth contracted the virus from Alexandra, who, in turn, became infected after scrapbooking with someone that tested positive for COVID-19 middle October. Even though Alexandra reportedly wore gloves and a face mask, she still became infected.

While Kenneth remained asymptomatic, Alexandra initially displayed minor symptoms that included a cough and feeling short of breath. But then her condition suddenly changed.

"It went from, 'I'm OK. I don't want to go to the hospital. I don't want to do anything,' to the next minute, she's not breathing," Kenneth explained. “That's what I want the people to know is this thing will sneak up on you and kick your butt in a heartbeat.”

TIPS FOR A SAFER ENVIRONMENT

Advice from WHO on how to make one's environment safer provides ways that can help the public prevent a situation similar to that of Alexandra and Kenneth Chitwood.

Pertaining to situations where people spend time together, WHO implored the public to "avoid the 3C's," including close, crowded, or closed contact with others. Places like work offices, nightclubs, gym classes, and restaurants all provide the ideal conditions for a quick spread of the virus.

Gatherings without adequate ventilation allow the virus to spread since people spend time together and often in close proximity. Meeting people outdoors while keeping at a physical distance is advised when possible, and avoid meeting others in small indoor spaces.

Stage actor Nick Cordero also died after his wife Amanda Kloots publically documented his heartwrenching struggle with the novel coronavirus that lasted over 90 days.

Cordero suffered several setbacks that prevented his body from recovering. A lingering infection in his lungs, an amputated leg, and problems with his blood kept the actor from regaining his health despite a strong fight.