Chesham coronavirus patient's first interview from Sheffield quarantine

Speaking from inside quarantine at a specialist unit in Sheffield, 26-year-old Joel Rawlins says he has received unbelievable support from family, friends and caring staff at the NHS.

He is one of 23 people to have tested positive for coronavirus within the UK and has been in isolation since Sunday – and is now one of the first patients to speak publicly.

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Speaking to the Bucks Free Press this morning, he said: “Without question, from the bottom of my heart, I'd like to sincerely thank every single one of the hundreds of friends and family both in the UK and around the world for their constant thoughts and prayers throughout this very unique situation.

“I don't want anyone to worry about me, I’m doing absolutely fine and will be out before you know it.”

Joel pictured in a coronavirus t-shirt.

The pianist was working on the Diamond Princess cruise ship which had been stationed off the coast of Japan for more than two weeks amid the outbreak.

He was one of the first diagnoses in people brought back to the UK on repatriation flights.

In his first UK interview from his isolation room, Mr Rawlins has relived the moment he returned to the UK.

He said: “We were all taken to the quarantine facility in the Wirral after getting extradited from the ship.

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“I spent one night there and then the morning of the second day a doctor came into my room and said 'we are going round everyone doing swab tests but we don't have to do one for you because the test you had just before you left the ship has come back positive'.

“Then they explained the procedure about going forward and I left for hospital shortly after. They were very helpful with the process and letting me know what was happening.”

The news comes after a British man became the first UK citizen to die from coronavirus.

The man, who was also on board the Diamond Princess cruise ship was the sixth person from the vessel to have died.

Health workers pictured near stricken cruise ship

Despite yesterday’s tragic news, the south Buckinghamshire resident is remaining upbeat.

He said: “Like I said, I don't feel ill. In fact, one of the nurses said to me the other day 'you're probably the well-est patient I’ve ever worked with' because I was very optimistic and was constantly walking around and making conversation and feeling fine.

“I'm sure you're thinking 'man, he must be bored' but I’ve occupied my time quite well.

“I've spent a lot of it on videocall/messenger to all of my friends keeping them updated.

“When the only people you see day-to-day are the occasional nurse, you tend to get a little lonely, so calling people has kept me feeling much more sane.

“Other than that, I’ve spent a lot of time on YouTube and Netflix. I've done some studying, learnt some Jazz standards and written some music on a tiny little 2octave MIDI keyboard I bought with me.”

He added: “I honestly feel like I don't really need to say this, but the NHS is incredible.

“Despite knowing very little about the virus, they have done everything they can to help me through the process.

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“I'm glad I'm in hospital in the UK as I know people who have been tested positive elsewhere around the world and have perhaps not been treated as incredibly as I have and may be struggling with language barriers.

“Aside from all the serious stuff, they've been calling me very regularly asking if I need anything. I have a 24hr hotline to the front desk if I do need anything.

“They are constantly checking up on me and have even let me order take out while I'm here!”

Coach pictured transporting coronavirus patients

Almost one-fifth of the 3,711 passengers originally on board the cruise liner have been infected and it is understood some British nationals who are part of the Diamond Princess crew had opted to remain on the ship.

Mr Rawlins said: “During the quarantine period on the Diamond Princess, Princess treated both crew and passengers the best they possibly could, given the situation.

“Since coming to hospital, a lady from head office has called me every day to make sure I'm okay and to see if I have any questions.

“They also sent me a care package full of snacks and a couple of puzzle/sudoku books to keep me going.

“I'm proud to be part of such a thoughtful and helpful company.

“I strongly hope that what has happened over the last month doesn't put anyone off Princess, or cruising in general, we just happened to be in the wrong place at the wrong time.”

Finishing his interview with the Bucks Free Press, Mr Rawlins asked to pay a special tribute to those he has had contact within the last week.

He said: “Extra shoutout to my mum and my best friend, Jos, who have sent me care packages in the mail.

“Thanks to all the NHS, in particular all the doctors and nurses and team at the Royal Hallamshire Hospital for doing a superb job at looking after me, and to my Princess family for the love and support.

“Special mention to 'turnedmetal.com' who I bought the coronavirus t-shirt from, for privately reaching out to me to send their wishes.

“There is no need to be scared, the virus isn't deadly, just stay safe and keep washing your hands and report yourself if you show any symptoms.”

For the latest coronavirus health advice, visit www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/