A recovered COVID-19 patient who is still suffering long-term effects of the virus said US President Donald Trump's decision to leave the hospital while still infected was the "epitome of self-absorption."
Freya Sawbridge tested positive for the virus on March 23 and is still suffering from COVID-19 relapses.
The 26-year-old Kiwi, who told Newshub she has never recovered fully from the virus, has condemned Trump's reaction to his diagnosis.
On Monday, President Donald Trump decided to leave Walter Reed Military Hospital where he was being treated for COVID-19 to "pay a little surprise" to his supporters.
"It's the epitome of self-absorption," Sawbridge says.
"He took a joy-ride because he felt like it and endangered peoples' lives in the process."
On Tuesday, Trump announced he will be returning to the White House later that day.
"Feeling really good!" He tweeted.
"Don't be afraid of COVID. Don't let it dominate your life… I feel better than I did 20 years ago!"
Sawbridge says it's not the same for everyone.
"I'd say, first of all, he's on steroids which generates a false sense of recovery (let's see if it lasts)."
"Secondly, every single person currently battling COVID-19 isn't letting it 'dominate their lives'. They are fighting against a terrible virus without access to experimental drugs, round-the-clock care and antibody treatment."
Since being tested positive in March, the 26-year-old is still experiencing symptoms.
"I have symptoms 24/7 which includes temperature, chest pain, dizziness, brain pain, heart palpitations, muscle spasms, numbing. I've relapsed six times in the last six months which means all my low-lying symptoms dramatically worsen. I also cannot exercise without flare-ups."
