Updated (6/27/2020):
The owners of the Laugh In Comedy Cafe, where Loeber has performed in the past, has released the following statement:
"We first would like to extend our well wishes and support for Johnny C’s recovery from Covid. His last show at the Laugh In Comedy Café was January 22. Since our re-opening we have experienced zero cases of coronavirus amongst our comedians or our staff. We have also adhered to all CDC guidelines for social distancing and regulations for capacity for restaurants in the state of Florida. We have removed 50% of our tables and chairs to ensure that seating, even at maximum capacity, was in line with recommendations from the state of Florida and the CDC. Our in-house staff totals to five people outside of the three managers which are Jamie Morgan, Eric Grady, and David Gregory. All employees— acting the positions including but no limit to servers, bartenders, cooks, food runners, and hosts, wear gloves and masks while on their shift and while serving our customers. We intend to continue to adhere to all of the recommended guidelines for safety while providing jobs for our staff and laughter to our community."
Original Story (6/25/2020):
"My Coronavirus story and why I'm an idiot......"
That's how Southwest Florida comedian John Loeber started his viral Facebook post that warns others about the dangers of Covid-19.
"When the bars and restaurants opened up, I was there on opening night. And I thought I was doing a great job supporting local business and hanging out and partying. I wasn't wearing a mask. I wasn't social distancing."
Prior to receiving his coronavirus diagnosis on Wednesday, Loeber says he though the virus and the pandemic was being blown out of proportion.
As of Thursday night, he awaits a blood transfusion that will hopefully help him fight the virus.
"They're going to try to do an experimental thing where they give me the blood of someone who's recovered from coronavirus and has the antibodies."
While Loeber waits and fights, he tells FOX 4's Rochelle Alleyne that he worries about the people who might have caught the virus from him because he didn't originally take it seriously.
"Whether it's the little old lady that I walked by in Publix or someone who I held the door open for you know? Or someone who I sat next to in a bar or restaurant last week."
Form his bed at Gulf Coast Medical Center, Loeber's now begging everyone to heed his message.
"I want to encourage everyone to wear a mask and social distance and if you feel even the slightest bit under the weather, stay home."
