We now know the name of the individual in the Georgia athletic department who was diagnosed with COVID-19 last month. And in even better news — he has recovered and been released from the hospital.
Jeremy Klawsky, who is the Bulldogs' video coordinator in football, was released from Piedmont Athens Regional Hospital on Thursday. The hospital released a video of Klawsky being wheeled down the hallway to the ovation of hospital personnel dressed in protective wear on his out.
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This is what victory looks like. This is what hope looks like.
— Piedmont Healthcare (@PiedmontHealth) April 16, 2020
Jeremy Klawsky arrived at Piedmont Athens Regional weeks ago. He was critically ill with COVID-19, but he recovered and was discharged today as hundreds cheered.
Thank you for hundreds of new reasons to hope. pic.twitter.com/zgUEW9YRjB
Georgia coach Kirby Smart, Athletic Director Greg McGarity and UGA Sports Medicine Director Ron Courson were among those cheering on Klawsky’s departure.
Klawsky, 32, shoots video of the Bulldogs’ practices and games. A native of Plantation, Fla., he has been on Georgia’s staff since 2018.
While not identifying Klawsky at the time, UGA confirmed March 18 that a member of the football support staff was diagnosed with the virus that has created a worldwide pandemic.
On Thursday, McGarity confirmed that the person was Klawsky and said that nobody else in UGA Athletics is known to be stricken with the illness.
A Piedmont hospital spokesman said Klawsky was admitted six weeks ago in serious condition. They said he was one of their first COVID-19 patients who needed to be intubated and that his recovery was “amazing.”
McGarity declined further comment, referring all questions to Courson.
“Jeremy Klawsky, UGAA football video coordinator, was discharged this afternoon from Piedmont Athens Regional Medical Center, where he has been hospitalized for the past six weeks with COVID 19,” Courson said in a statement.
“Piedmont staff organized a ‘Hero’s Walk’ where members of the hospital staff, from physicians, nurses, therapists, administrators and other support staff, lined the hallways of the hospital to bid him farewell and congratulate him on his recovery. UGAA staff were allowed to participate in this touching ceremony by waiting outside of the hospital to view Jeremy and his family as he exited as a show of support for him as well as the many healthcare workers who participated in his care. Jeremy will continue to receive therapy as he recovers. UGAA is very appreciative of the outstanding medical care and support he received during his hospitalization.”
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