Belgian Woman Dies From COVID-19 After She Selflessly Tells Doctors to Save Ventilator for Younger Patients

Published: 3/31/2020, 4:09:03 PM EDT

Belgian Woman Dies From COVID-19 After She Selflessly Tells Doctors to Save Ventilator for Younger Patients — Medical workers put on their protective gears before working at the unit for CCP virus infected patients at the Erasme Hospital in Brussels, Belgium, on March 27, 2020. (Kenzo Tribouillard/AFP via Getty Images)

A Belgian woman who was taken to a hospital by her daughter on March 20 after experiencing shortness of breath and a loss of appetite refused critical treatment from medical staff.

The 90-year-old woman, Suzanne Hoylaerts, tested positive for the CCP (Chinese Communist Party) virus, also known as the novel coronavirus.

She was then placed in isolation, meaning her daughter was unable to visit her. Hoylaerts died one week later on March 28, after she selflessly refused a ventilator and instructed doctors to use the equipment on the younger patients.

Hoylaerts reportedly told medical staff at the hospital: "I don't want to use artificial respiration. Save it for younger patients. I already had a good life," Belgian news outlet Het Laatste Nieuws reported.

Ventilators are considered crucial as COVID-19 is a respiratory disease that, in severe cases, can make it impossible for patients to breathe on their own.

A ventilator is displayed during a news conference at the New York City Emergency Management Warehouse on March 24, 2020. (Mark Lennihan/The Canadian Press via AP) — A ventilator is displayed during a news conference at the New York City Emergency Management Warehouse on March 24, 2020. Mark Lennihan/The Canadian Press via AP

Hoylaerts, who was still living on her own before contracting the CCP virus, was well aware of the dangers of COVID-19. She and her family had taken government advice and precautionary measures into consideration.

Het Laatste Nieuws asked Hoylaerts daughter, Judith, how her mother contracted the virus. "That is still a mystery," Judith replied.

"When I took her to the hospital on Friday, we thought of mild pneumonia," she told the outlet. "I can't say goodbye to her, and I don't even have a chance to attend her funeral."

Most countries have canceled or banned large gatherings in an effort to curb the spread of the CCP virus, including funeral services, weddings, birthday parties, and other major life events.

'Act of Selflessness'

News of Hoylaerts act of selflessness spread widely on social media, leaving many people online both touched and heartbroken by her generosity.

A post on Twitter, shared with the caption, "Not all #Heroes wear capes!', has received over 21,000 likes and 16,000 retweets.

"Sucha compassionate lady!! ... May her soul rest in peace!" one person commented.

"Beautiful lady and yet there are people that are too selfish to stay home and have to go and get a haircut or clothes," another user wrote.

Belgium's COVID-19 death toll rose by 98 to a total of 705 people on Tuesday, Reuters reported. The small European country reported 876 new cases, bringing the total number of confirmed infections to 12,775.

Some 4,920 people were hospitalized, meaning around half of the medical services' capacity was taken up by the CCP virus.

On Tuesday, a spokesman for the health ministry said a 12-year-old Belgian girl died from the CCP virus. Media reported that she is currently the youngest known COVID-19 victim in Europe.

"It is a rare event but one that devastates us," virologist Emmanuel Andre told Belgium's official daily news conference on the spread of disease.

Reuters contributed to this report.