Charles Pignal Becomes Singapore’s 133rd Case Of Covid-19 After Returning From Business Trip In Europe
To most Singaporeans, Bata is a household name. But did you know that the company is not a Singaporeans brand, or even an Asian brand?
In fact, the origins of Bata are far from Singapore — it was founded more than 100 years ago by a man named Tomas Bata in what is now the Czech Republic.
Carrying on the legacy is his 43-year-old great-grandson Charles Pignal, who is based in Singapore. The French national was until this January a director with the footwear company.
Bata scion infected with Covid-19
However, he was diagnosed with Covid-19 in early March after returning from Europe.
MS News previously reported that he was case 113.
Thankfully, he made a full recovery after 40 days and was discharged on Sunday (12 Apr).
Infected during business trip to Europe
Mr Pignal was in Europe for a business trip about two months ago and was infected with the coronavirus there, according to Lianhe Zaobao.
He had been to France, Portugal and the UK between 8 Feb and 3 Mar, according to the Ministry of Health.
On the flight back to Singapore, he reportedly felt weak, and even had a headache and fever.
His symptoms apparently subsided after taking some medicine.
Tested positive on 4 Mar
However, after returning to Singapore, Mr Pignal developed more severe symptoms and started coughing.
He visited the National Centre for Infectious Diseases (NCID) on 4 March and tested positive for Covid-19 later that very afternoon.
Spent 40 days battling coronavirus
In an interview with Lianhe Zaobao, Mr Pignal said he felt fearful and worried about infecting others when he learnt of his diagnosis.
Mr Pignal the day after testing positive for Covid-19
Source
After spending 26 days in the NCID, he was transferred to D’Resort NTUC on 30 Mar as he was in a stable condition, but still testing positive for the virus.
He spent an additional fortnight at the Pasir Ris community isolation facility before he was allowed to return home on Sunday (12 Apr).
Happy to be discharged
After spending 40 days in isolation, Mr Pignal told Lianhe Zaobao that he felt happy to be discharged, and immediately returned home to be with his fiancee.
Mr Pignal with his fiancee
Source
He also documented his battle with Covid-19 on Instagram.
From apparatus in his room to things he did to keep himself occupied, Mr Pignal’s Instagram feed is basically a diary of what a Covid-19 patient has to go through before being discharged.
He even documented the face he pulled when he had to go through the dreaded swab test, where “a little rod” is inserted very far up both nostrils.
You can check it out here.
Covid-19 does not discriminate
We’re glad that Mr Pignal has finally made a full recovery so he can be reunited with his loved ones after more than a month.
His battle against Covid-19 also goes to show that the coronavirus does not discriminate and can affect people regardless of their race, age, and social status.
Meanwhile, let’s all adhere to the ‘Circuit Breaker’ measures by staying at home and avoiding social gatherings as much as possible.
Featured image adapted from Instagram and Instagram.
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