A lot has been said and written about Covid-19 since its outbreak in South Africa in 2020, but nothing hits closer to home than the experience of a well- known person in your very own community.

This was the case with Mr Mohamed Ismail Moogalia, owner of Topline Centre in Ermelo, who was diagnosed with Covid-19 on 5 February after he developed a dry and pestering cough a few days prior.

He remained in quarantine with his entire family for a few days, trying to manage his symptoms at home.

However, his wife reportedly rushed him to hospital at 2am on 9 February due to him having difficulty breathing.

He was reportedly placed on oxygen for two days, and due to an underlying condition he had developed a few years ago, Myasthenia Gravis – a long-term neuromuscular disease that leads to varying degrees of skeletal muscle weakness – his specialists in Johannesburg thought it would be best to have him admitted at Milpark Hospital to treat the infection levels caused by the virus and to closely monitor his progress.

He was transported by an ambulance to Milpark Hospital on Thursday evening, 11 February, but, unfortunately, upon his arrival, his condition had rapidly deteriorated and he needed to be placed on a ventilator as he was unable to breathe on his own.

A few days in and his condition deteriorated even further.

He was completely sedated with pipes and various machines working to keep his bodily functions stable.

After a week in this state, the doctors called his wife and family to Johannesburg because he had contracted an infection and the doctors had feared the worst.

Doctors told the family that they did everything they could and tried every possible treatment and that it was all in Gods hands now.

Mr Moogalia’s son, Ridhwaan, said family, friends and the community of Ermelo who know this caring, God-fearing man, prayed fervently for a miracle.

His wife and children were distraught and overcome with fear and anxiety, but their faith held them together and they continued praying for his recovery.

“Indeed, God tests those whom he loves…everyone in town can attest to my fathers good character, kind words, friendly smile and his heart of gold.

“This is what brought him back from the throes of despair.” Ridhwaan said.

If anyone would like to send a message or note, kindly drop it off at Topline Centre and his son will gladly have it sent to him.

Read the complete article in the next Highvelder Newspaper.