THE brother of a Salisbury man who died after testing positive for Covid-19 is urging people not to “ignore” worsening symptoms and understand how “real and close to home” the virus is.

James Jordan, who is the director of Jordan and Mason estate agents in Salisbury, had tested positive for coronavirus along with his brother David, 36, on December 30. 

His brother had decided to stay with him while they both isolated and had a “terrible cough” and had been “lethargic”, struggling going up the stairs, and would get very tired.

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The pair had eaten a meal together before going to bed on January 2 but the next day David was found dead.

Speaking about the virus, James said: “It is here, it is real and if you are not feeling that well get medical attention.

“What we should have done in hindsight is gone up to the hospital the day before.

“I want to get across, if you are sat at home with Covid and conditions are worsening don’t ignore it like we did.

“He was my younger brother, which is probably why we didn’t; if he was 65 or 70 we would have been to hospital and getting advice because the message has been squarely this is a virus that effects generally older folk.

“But we shouldn’t forget it can take lives at sub 40,” he added.

“I wouldn’t want other people to sit on their hands when there is support and help out there.

“We are all guilty of ignoring it.”

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Picture: Woolley and Wallis 

David, a former Wyvern College student who worked as a warehouse manager for Woolley and Wallis in Salisbury, was a keen runner and would go swimming every day - he was a regular face at Five Rivers leisure centre.

One of his big physical challenges a couple of years ago was swimming Lake Windermere in the Lake District.

He also did a half iron man triathlon with James and on Christmas Day had been out running.

“He was not the fittest person but he wasn’t unfit,” said James.

James hopes to try and educate the public that “this disease is very real, it is very local and it can affect people under the age 40”.

He added: “It is local, it can affect anyone.”

In tribute to his brother, James said: “He was very much loved and was a lovely man.

“You would never have met a nicer guy.”

He said he will remember his brother for his sense of humour and kindness.

“It is shocking, I don’t know how to feel.

“I don’t think it has sunk in. The family are devastated,” said James.

John Axford, the chairman of Woolley and Wallis, said: "Dave had worked at Woolley and Wallis for 11 years and his passing has come as a great shock to us all. 

"He was extremely popular with colleagues and clients alike; always laughing and joking, but with a big heart and a very caring side.

"He has been a huge part of our work family for a long time and we will all miss him enormously.”