Santos chats with his mother on video. Image via @nicosantos
“FaceTime with mom rarely involves actual face time,” the 40-year-old actor wrote. “Very, very happy to report that my mom has finally recovered!!! Again, I want to thank everyone who expressed their condolences and love for our family.”
Santos’ mother had not required hospital admission at the time of her husband’s death. However, the fact that they suffered from the contagious disease effectively prevented the rest of the family from offering close physical support. Santos described the situation as “devastating.”
Santos’s stepfather and mother both suffered from COVID-19. Image via @nicosantos
“I can’t hold my mother as she mourns her husband. I can’t hug my brother as he contemplates a world without his father. I can’t wipe away the tears from my nephews’ eyes as they wonder why their Lolo Sonny isn’t here anymore,” Santos wrote in his post.
It’s unclear whether the actor’s mother required hospital treatment sometime last week.
There are currently 366,614 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the U.S., the highest in the world. The death toll is highest in New York City (3,485), which makes up about 29% of all deaths (10,859) in the country.
There are no proven treatments for COVID-19, but clinical trials across multiple countries are underway. President Donald Trump has placed his hopes on a drug called hydroxychloroquine, which India has agreed to supply on a “case by case” basis.
Santos concluded his post thanking everyone who offered comfort during his family’s time of need.
“We received so many touching messages from friends, old and new, ready to help at a moment’s notice to complete strangers offering up prayers and words of comfort and care. Thank you to all of you. For making me and my family feel like we’re not alone. For saying I see you and I got you. For lifting us up to the light. I promise to do the same for you.”
Santos’ update has received more than 12,000 likes since it was posted.
“This just made my day!”wrote “Crazy Rich Asians” Director Jon M. Chu in the comments.
Meanwhile, co-star Gemma Chan replied, “So happy to hear this.”
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