Health

Boston Police officer released from the hospital after recovering from COVID-19

BOSTON — So often we are hearing about the people who have died from COVID-19, it’s great to be able to report a story of someone recovering. Especially when it’s someone that spends his own life serving the rest of us.

Officer Omar Borges didn’t even get all the way out of the hospital doors before his family rushed him with hugs, the touch they haven’t had for weeks.

“It feels like Christmas and New Year’s,” said his sister Nilsa Borges-Cruz. “All the holidays put together I have no way words to describe the emotions we are feeling.”

Drawing hundreds of friends family, nurses and fellow officers, Borges strolled out of Beth Israel Hospital on Friday to fistbumps and applause.

“I’m very happy for the family, 28 days in a coma, incubated,” said BPD Commissioner William Gross. "Frankly, we did not think he was going to make it and today thanks to the hard work he pulled through.”

It was an overwhelming feeling for these officers who have already lost one of their own to COVID-19.

“This is a serious disease,” said Commissioner Gross. “It has already taken the life of one of our officers Jose Fontanez and many citizens in the city so it is a day of celebration that when we work together especially our healthcare providers that we can save a lives.”

Eventually officers escorted their fellow hero home to finish his recovery with the people who need him the most.

“It’s very overwhelming but very excited he’s coming home with us,” said Borges-Cruz.

Borges has been with the department since 2005.

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RESOURCES:

- Massachusetts Coronavirus Information

- Boston Coronavirus Information

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