Much-loved Birmingham grandfather, 86, dies after contracting coronavirus

A much-loved grandfather from Birmingham has died after contracting coronavirus, his family have announced.

Afsar Hussain, 86, from Saltley is believed to have passed away in the early hours today (March 21) after a short battle with the COVID-19 virus.

The pensioner was admitted to Heartlands Hospital with a urine infection, but was then diagnosed with the severe respiratory infection Covid-19. He died less than 24 hours later.

According to close family members, Hussain tested positive for the virus several days ago and had fallen ill not long after.

In a social media post, his son Akeel Hussain wrote:

“My dad tested positive for coronavirus just a few days ago. Don’t risk yourselves, self-isolate yourselves and your families if need be. RIP dad, may Allah elevate your rank and grant you paradise.”

Responding to the news, hundreds of people have expressed their sadness and left messages of sympathy on Facebook.

The family said they would update loved ones about Islamic janaaza and funeral arrangements, but have urged people not to visit the family homes to reduce the risk of spreading of the virus.

A few days ago, a former bus driver from Smethwick also died after contracting coronavirus.

Birnham Roberts passed away at City Hospital in Birmingham on Wednesday (March 18).

Popular in the community, the 82-year-old grandfather had diabetes and had been unwell since the start of the month, according to his daughter Cherelle.

The former National Express bus driver was admitted to the hospital on March 9th where he tested positive for COVID-19, before his health deteriorated, leading to his tragic death.

On Monday (March 16), the BBC reported that Earl Sewell from Handsworth Wood also died at City Hospital due to coronavirus.

His widow, Jean, said her 72-year-old husband had chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and emphysema. She said he contracted the virus at home and was taken into hospital.

Jean, her two sons, daughter-in-law and three-year-old granddaughter are self-isolating for 14 days and therefore unable to register his death.

Birmingham City Council said that if the family of a deceased person has been told to self-isolate, arrangements can be made for an alternative qualified informant to collect the medical certificate and go to a register office.

“This can be another relative, someone present at the death or an administrator from the hospital,” the council said.

Health officials have urged members of the public to observe social distancing and keep away from large gatherings.

Families with several members living in the same residence or street have been advised to keep younger individuals and potential COVID-19 carriers away from the elderly and vulnerable, who are at higher risk of the virus threat.

They’ve also asked people to not panic buy, as this can negatively affect the elderly and most vulnerable.

UK coronavirus deaths reach 233

The COVID-19 coronavirus is spreading globally at an alarming rate, with concerns heightened due to the lack of vaccine for the virus’ current strain, which can be lethal to those with weakened immune systems.

The epidemic has now been declared a global pandemic, with confirmed cases presently surpassing 278,000 around the world, with more than 11,500 deaths.

233 people have so far died in the UK from the virus, with the youngest aged just 45. The UK government’s chief medical adviser suggesting people who show “even minor” signs of respiratory tract infections or a fever could soon be told to self-isolate in an effort to tackle the outbreak.

According to current report, a total of 28 have died in the West Midlands in connection with COVID-19.

The latest figures come after the government ramped up measures being taken against the coronavirus pandemic following new predictions that the UK is only two weeks behind the outbreak’s effects in Italy, Europe’s worst-hit country.

It comes as Prime Minister Boris Johnson imposed stricter measures on London including closing all pubs, restaurants, cinemas and gyms.

(UPDATE: The above total figure of UK deaths was updated from 177 to 233 at 17:25 on March 21)

If you’re worried about coronavirus symptoms or have related concerns, please visit: https://gov.uk/coronavirus.