Baltimore critical care doctor dies of COVID-19
Joseph Costa, chief of the critical care division at Mercy Medical Center in Baltimore, died of COVID-19 on Saturday with his husband by his side, according to a report in the Baltimore Sun.
David Hart, his husband and partner of 28 years, told the Sun that about 20 colleagues held a bedside vigil for Costa and placed their gloved hands on him.
Hart told the Sun he “placed his cheek next to Costa’s and held his husband in his arms until he died around 4:45 a.m.”
Costa “dedicated his life and career to caring for the sickest patients,” according to a statement from Mercy officials. “When the global pandemic came down upon us, Joe selflessly continued his work on the front lines — deeply committed to serving our patients and our City during this time of great need. His memory will live on as an example to us all.”
Costa joined Mercy in 1997 and served as chief of the Division of Critical Care for the last 15 years.
Maryland’s COVID-19 cases are climbing, with more than 1,000 new cases reported Monday. The Sun noted that at least 576 healthcare workers have died nationwide from complications caused by COVID-19 — a figure that is likely low.
Published at Tue, 28 Jul 2020 17:55:01 +0000