Coronavirus: 99-year-old Second World War veteran beats disease in Brazil
‘Winning this battle was for me bigger than winning the war’
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.A 99-year-old World War Two veteran has become the oldest person to beat coronavirus in Brazil.
Ermando Piveta saluted from his wheelchair as medical staff cheered and clapped and a soldier’s trumpet played while he left the Armed Forces Hospital in Brasilia on Tuesday.
The veteran, who was a second lieutenant in the Brazilian Army during the war and served in Africa, said: “Winning this battle was for me bigger than winning the war.
“In war you kill or live. Here you have to fight to live.”
Mr Piveta tested positive for Covid-19 two weeks ago and spent two days in intensive care after developing pneumonia.
But he never needed a ventilator and recovered thanks to his good physical condition, from life in the military, and longevity that runs in his family, the hospital’s director said.
Mr Piveta’s release from hospital was a bright moment in an otherwise darkening scenario as the global pandemic hit Brazil with force this week.
The coronavirus has so far infected more than 25,000 people in the country and killed more than 1,500.
Additional reporting by Reuters
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments