Former Canadian keeper Karina LeBlanc separated from newborn after possible exposure to COVID-19
In an emotional video posted to Twitter, longtime Canadian women's soccer goalkeeper Karina LeBlanc says she was potentially exposed to the COVID-19 virus in hospital, shortly after giving birth to her newborn daughter.
LeBlanc announced the birth of her daughter, Paris, on March 24.
Asking for your prayers as it’s been a difficult few days since giving birth.
Rushed to the hospital from breathing issues which was a plueral effusion brought on by heart failure.
Possible exposure to covid-19 at hospital so now I am self quarantined from my baby girl/hubby😢 pic.twitter.com/DmlcXPqOc2— Karina LeBlanc (@karinaleblanc) April 5, 2020
After coming home from the hospital, LeBlanc says she was dealing with some breathing problems as a result of heart failure, and had to return to the hospital. While there, she believes she may have been exposed to the COVID-19 virus.
LeBlanc is currently in self-quarantine at home, and unable to see her daughter or husband.
"I've had a difficult last couple of days. We gave birth to baby Paris just over a week ago which was amazing. She is happy and healthy,' LeBlanc says. "But, after getting home from the hospital I noticed some shortness of breath and just some weird things going on with my body. I called my doctor after a couple days and it turned out I had pleural effusion from heart failure. Which, thank God we went to the hospital.
"But because I was in the hospital for two additional nights there was a COVID-19 passing and I could've.. had exposure so I'm home now," she continued. "But, self-quarantined in a room where I'm separated from Paris and my husband so I can't hold her, touch her, put her down for bed at night which is really difficult for a mom who has just given birth."
Currently, LeBlanc says she will be in self-isolation for another 11 days as of April 5, and is asking people for their prayers.
LeBlanc, who is American-Canadian, played in goal for Canada from 1998-2015 where she anchored the team to a 2011 Pan-Am gold medal.
She also competed in the 2008 and 2012 Olympics, winning a bronze medal in 2012.
The now 40-year-old announced her retirement from soccer following the conclusion of the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup.