That sounds like such a slow torturous death; I hope the child is able to get home quickly enough to have time with him. That's a long trip and it will be worry all the way. Did the rest of the family have COVID and recover completely? Condolences to your sister.

COVID deaths are no longer a separate blip in the death rate of the US but that doesn't mean it has gone away. And for those not vaccinated, it can still be deadly. Reports still come out (this the WHO for this week).