A father and daughter who were hospitalized for possible coronavirus tested negative Friday and have returned MCAS Miramar for a federally mandated 14-day quarantine.
Frank Wucinski and his 3-year-old daughter Annabel arrived Wednesday on a flight from Wuhan, China.
"The whole plane erupted into cheers and clapping," Wucinski said. "I fly a lot. I’ve never seen that happen."
Wucinski had a cough when they arrived and told officials that his father-in-law had the coronavirus. As a precaution, they sent the Wucinskis to Rady Children's Hospital, where they spent two days in isolation before being told Friday morning that their tests came back negative.
Now, Wucinski is worried about his wife, a Chinese citizen who remained in China and is now sick herself.
"It’s hard to put into words, but just seeing her crying because she knew that the baby had to leave, but at the same time not wanting her to go," Wucinski said. "She had to wear a mask. She couldn’t even kiss her goodbye ... . My heart breaks for her."
Wucinski said his wife has not been able to get treatment in China.
"Doctors say she likely has the virus," Wucinski said. "And then seeing her pain and not being able to be with her baby ... for me that’s the hardest part"
He said he is working with officials to get his wife on the next plane to the United States.
