The number of people hospitalized by COVID-19 in New Jersey has increased every day for nearly three weeks. The latest data shows that there are currently 2,471 people in New Jersey’s hospitals being treated for the virus as of Thursday.

One of those patients is 72-year-old John Saitis who was taken to the hospital several days ago after his heart and kidneys started failing under the virus. His wife Lucy Saitis says that she fears that she won’t ever see him again.

“There’s no hope. They said it’s very bad,” Lucy Saitis says.

John Saitis was home only a week ago and was suffering from what they thought were common cold symptoms.

“It came so fast, a simple runny nose. He had the flu shot, checked at the doctors,” Lucy Saitis says.

But the illness quickly morphed into pneumonia and COVID-19 within a few days. John is now in critical condition. He is one of 456 patients statewide in the intensive care unit.

State officials said Thursday that there were 216 COVID-19 patients on ventilators. Officials also announced 28 additional deaths.

Lucy Saitis says that her husband is diabetic, but is extremely cautious. He always wears a mask and no outsiders are allowed in the couple’s Butler home. He only went out for doctor appointments. Lucy says that she believes this is where he contracted the virus.

She says what hurts the most is that because of restrictions, she will not be allowed into the hospital to see her husband of 36 years.

“I said if he hears my voice at least he can maybe open his eyes, give him one last shot. They said no,” Lucy says.

Lucy herself has been tested for the virus and it came back negative. She says that she hopes there are more restrictions put in place around the country to slow the spread of the virus.