After 51 days on a ventilator, John Della Guardia beat back COVID-19 and came home from Riddle Hospital in Media, reports Joe Brandt for nbcphiladelphia.com.

As is now customary, hospital staff lined the halls clapping and cheering as Guardia, 74, was recently released from the hospital and reunited with his family.

John and his wife Colette were admitted to Riddle’s ICU in late March with the virus after returning from a Norwegian cruise in the Bahamas.  A passenger previously on board tested positive for the novel coronavirus.

John showed symptoms right away when he returned and was hospitalized March 24. His wife soon followed.

John’s condition deteriorated and he was placed on a ventilator. Colette was on oxygen and spent limited time out of bed.

On April 2, John wasn’t doing well and family was ready to say goodbye forever.

“The nurse turned her bed and turned daddy’s bed so mom could see him through the glass doors. Then I gave mom my phone and we had a phone in our room,” Terri wrote in one of her updates to relatives.

The family thanked the “incredible” staff with donated meals and gift bags. Read more about this county man’s amazing recovery here.

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