SAN DIEGO (KGTV) — Chula Vista councilman Steve Padilla is healing after being in intensive care due to the coronavirus.
The South Bay leader said he is out of the ICU and off a ventilator after being diagnosed with COVID-19 three weeks ago.
"Friends – I’m off the ventilator, out of the ICU, and will be home soon. After an intense 3-week battle with coronavirus, the relief and gratitude I’m feeling right now are overwhelming," Padilla said in a statement. "I’m so grateful to the doctors, nurses and staff at UCSD Medical Center who saved my life, and who are working tirelessly every day to save more. America’s healthcare professionals are true heroes showing undaunted courage on the frontlines of this fight."
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Padilla was admitted to UCSD Thornton Hospital ICU two weeks ago to receive treatment after testing positive for coronavirus and experiencing difficulty breathing.
Padilla, who represents Chula Vista's District 3, said a fever, body aches, headaches, and chills "came on very rapidly."
k very soon! Together, we will get through this."
"Take it from me: the threat of coronavirus is as serious as it is real. We all need to stay home, and follow County Public Health guidelines to stop the spread and save lives that are at risk," Padilla said. "Thank you all for your support during this ordeal – it made a real difference. I’m looking forward to getting back home and back to work very soon! Together, we will get through this."
Padilla was the former Mayor of Chula Vista from 2002-2006, and has served as an officer and detective with the Chula Vista Police Department.
According to the city, Padilla is the first person of color ever elected to City office in Chula Vista history, the first Latino Mayor, and the first openly LGBT person to serve or be elected to city office.