Tonawanda, N.Y. (WBEN) - It's been three days since Tonawanda Supervisor Joe Emminger tested positive for coronavirus. In that time, it's been a physical and emotional rollercoaster.
"Monday at about 6pm, I was sitting on my bed when they called and said I tested positive. It got real very, very fast," said Emminger.
His symptoms have changed from day to day. "It started with shortness of breath. That hasn't changed, but he's also dealing with a pounding headache, chills and a fever. "My doctor gave me two jobs; I have to do breathing exercises and stay hydrated."
"I'm overwhelmed with the outpouring of support from across the country. People, that I don't even know, have been sending me emails from as far away as Washington and California," he said.
As for the mandate from Governor Cuomo to wear masks in public when social distancing is not possible, Emminger said he's 100% behind it. "This is a different era. Until we get a vaccine, this is our new normal. We had a pre-9-11 and a post 9-11. Our world in the near future," he said, "is going to be pre-Covid and post-Covid."
Emminger said the virus has given him an opportunity to reflect on a lot of things. "You won't be hearing from me again, til I'm better." His doctor has told him to cut the media. "As long as I'm home, I'm winning." Emminger asks everyone to keep those with Covid and their caregivers in their prayers.
