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Karlo Duterte's mom, Gel Duterte, a head nurse in a hospital in the United Kingdom has tested positive for 2019 coronavirus disease (COVID-19).

In an exclusive interview with 24 Oras, Gel shared what it's like to be a nurse in a foreign country now that the world is battling the deadly virus.

“Napakahirap po ng buhay ng isang frontliner dito sa UK. I don't think it's only in the UK, it's a global thing,” she said.

Working as a frontliner, Gel contracted the disease while taking care of the other coronavirus-positive patients.

“One day when I was at work when I spiked a temperature of 39 degrees. I was lethargic…I was feeling nauseated, I had a headache.

“When I found out that I was COVID-19 positive, I didn't tell my son straight away. I told my siblings first. It took me about three days before I told Karlo,” she added.

“I couldn't eat. I couldn't even move. I couldn't get out of bed 'cause I was that weak. I was that frail. All I think of during that time was my son.

“What if something happens to me? What if I got worse, he won't see me. Hindi niya ako makikita…and that would be the worst thing,” Gel added.

Meanwhile, the Kapuso actor shared what he felt when he learned the bad news.

“I was shocked. 'Yung tipong hindi ako makapaniwala. Agad ang ginawa ko is minessage ko si Mama. Ang dami kong tinanong, sinabi ko, 'Ma are you okay? Are you resting? What happened?'

“Ultimately I just said, “Ma, it's okay. Alam kong matapang ka. Alam kong kayang-kaya mo 'yan.”

Tingnan ang post na ito sa Instagram

Look forward - Look down

Isang post na ibinahagi ni Karlo Duterte (@karlo_duterte) noong Nov 6, 2018 nang 7:20pm PST

Fortunately, Gel survived the battle and is still recovering from the disease.

“Actually, I'm at work but I'm not doing really a lot. Kasi I am still kind of breathless at times. But I'm just so grateful to all my colleagues for supporting me,” Gel said.

Watch the full 24 Oras report:

Wowowin: Karlo Duterte, bagong aabangan na Kapuso