Mother-Of-Two Dies Of COVID-19 Less Than 48 Hours After Testing Positive

KEY POINTS

The 46-year-old was a teacher at Bowral Public School together with her husband Ben
It was unknown if she had any underlying health conditions
Ben said that he and their children were in isolation when Michelle died

A mother-of-two died of COVID-19 less than 48 hours after testing positive for the virus. Michelle Hayes of New South Wales, Australia, died Wednesday morning, her husband revealed over the weekend.

The 46-year-old was a teacher at Bowral Public School together with her husband Ben. The couple had recently moved to the Southern Highlands from Norfolk Island, local media reports said.

In a post on Facebook, her husband confirmed she died within two days of contracting the virus, according to News.com.au. However, it was unknown if she had any underlying health conditions.

“The best part of me is gone... and now I have to be the dad and the mum – and I will NEVER come close to being anywhere near as fabulous as she was,” he wrote on Facebook. Ben said that he and their children were in isolation when Michelle died.

“Nobody can currently come to the house because we are still in iso – please don’t – we’re even keeping my mum away … I would seriously break if anyone else got this,” Ben wrote. “Please don’t call yet. I can’t cry anymore. I’ve never known such limitless sorrow.”

Ben also warned people about the virus saying that those who think COVID-19 isn't dangerous are making a mistake.

“For those who think that COVID isn’t dangerous – try losing the love of your life in under 48 hours from a positive test result," he wrote.

In a letter to parents in the Bowral Public School newsletter, principal Chris Beard said students had not been informed of Michelle's death, in line with "strict protocols."

"Students were not informed at school, a subject this sensitive should be handled by parents as they deem fit," Beard said, according to ABC.NET. "Teachers were informed off-site in a private setting with support available from myself, our Director Education Leadership and the Senior Psychologist Education.

"Due to the confidentiality and sensitivity of this matter, we felt a note for students to take home would not be appropriate," she said.

In the last 24 hours, both New South Wales and Victoria recorded a drop in positive COVID-19 cases, reporting 5,582 and 4,867 new infections respectively. Twenty one additional deaths were reported in NSW as a result of the virus and just under 1300 people were admitted to hospital. In Victoria, nine people lost their lives after testing positive for COVID-19 and 358 people were admitted to hospital.