A New Jersey family has been left devastated by the global coronavirus pandemic. In less than a week, the virus killed four members of the family and put three others in the hospital.
Rita Fusco-Jackson, 55, became the second person in New Jersey to die from COVID-19 last Friday (March 13). Rita's brother, Carmine Fusco, was diagnosed with the virus and died five days later.
It only got worse for the family when a few hours later, Rita and Carmine's mother, Grace, succumbed to the infectious disease. The next day, another one of Grace's 11 children, Vincent Fusco, passed away.
"My mom is one of 11, last Thursday I went to sleep having 10 aunts and uncles! Friday I woke up and found out I only had 9. Just a few minutes ago I found out I only have 8," one of Rita's nieces wrote on Facebook, according to NBC News. "Please hold your love ones close and cherish every second and minute you have together."
Three other members of the family remain hospitalized in critical condition while 20 others are quarantined.
"It's completely devastating," Roseann Paradiso Fodera, a cousin and the family's attorney, told NJ.com. "They will need the faith they've always embraced to get them through this overwhelming shock and profound grief."
Officials believe the family came in contact with John Brennan during a recent dinner party. He was the first person in New Jersey to die from COVID-19. Authorities do not believe Brennan knew he was sick when he saw the Fuscos.
To keep up to date on the latest news about the coronavirus and to understand what you need to stay safe and healthy, check out the Coronavirus: Fact vs. Fiction podcast from CNN Chief Medical Correspondent Dr. Sanjay Gupta.
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