After contracting COVID-19 from a friend, an 82-year old cancer survivor succumbed to the disease. Her family claims that they were able to hide their illness so that everyone could play cards.

Barb Bartolovich of Ohio was given the vaccine and followed strict safety precautions. She only allowed herself to socialize with others who had been vaccinated.

Lauren Nash from Michigan, Lauren’s granddaughter claims Bartolovich went to the card game even though all other invited people claimed that they had been vaccinated. However, one person at the game allegedly didn’t disclose they were suffering from COVID.

Nash stated that someone decided testing positive for COVID was something they could hide. “The only way that we could find out was to have Nana get sick and the person responsible for it.”  

In the wake of her passing, Nash begs for safety, particularly as Omicron continues its surge throughout the country. 

Barb Bartolovich, 82, (left) died on Dec. 21 after she contracted COVID-19 from a friend who hid their infection, according to her granddaughter Lauren Nash (right)

Barb Bartolovich (left), who was 82 years old, died Dec. 21, after contracting COVID-19 through a friend. Lauren Nash, her granddaughter (right), said that Barb passed away from the infection.

She died at Mercy Health-St. Elizabeth Health Center in Boardman, Ohio (pictured) after having been hospitalized and ventilated.

She died at Mercy Health-St. Elizabeth Health Center in Boardman, Ohio (pictured) after having been hospitalized and ventilated.

After being ventilated and hospitalized, Bartolovich died on December 21 at Mercy Health St. Elizabeth Health Center, Boardman, Ohio.  

Bartolovich survived blood cancer and was not vaccinated.  

Bartolovich’s friend, Bartolovich, is upset her granddaughter would choose to risk the spread of a “proven deadly virus” just for playing a round of cards. 

Nash stated, “I’m just horrified at the state of things and how they are going, that people aren’t being taken into consideration.”    

Nash wants everyone to take a more active role in stopping this spread. 

Now, in wake of her death, Nash is begging others be safer, especially as the Omicron variant continues to surge: 'It is not worth it. It is not worth knowing you hurt someone, potentially hurt someone, or killed someone because you want to go out and have fun.'

Now, in wake of her death, Nash is begging others be safer, especially as the Omicron variant continues to surge: ‘It is not worth it. It’s not worth learning that you could have caused harm, death, or potential injury to someone just because you are going out having fun.

Bartolovich (pictured with Nash on her left) was vaccinated against the virus and took strict safety precautions, including only socializing with people who were also vaccinated

Bartolovich, pictured on her right with Nash (left), was vaccinated and strictly adhered to safety measures. She also only socialized with others who had been vaccinated.

She encourages those with symptoms and who have tested positive for COVID, to avoid others.

“It’s not worth it. It doesn’t matter if you have hurt or potentially hurt another person, or even killed someone. You just want to enjoy life and go outside. 

Bartolovich is described as “little firecracker”, and she leaves behind her four children, spouses, ten grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren according to her obituary.

She was deeply committed to family and was an active member in her church.

People who knew her well say that she was a great support system and taught many lessons to her grandchildren and her children. They also said that it was a special feeling to know and love her. 

Nash claimed that “She was taken too quickly.” “She was all to everybody.” Barb was loved by everyone, as everybody knows.

Although she had been vaccinated, Bartolovich (pictured on left in 2014), a blood cancer survivor, had a weakened immune system

Bartolovich, a survivor of blood cancer, was vaccinated. However, she still had an immune system problem.

Bartolovich (front, pictured with loved ones), described as a 'little firecracker,' leaves behind four children, their spouses, ten grandchildren and five great-grandchildren

Bartolovich (front photo with family), described as “little firecracker”, leaves behind four children and their spouses, ten grand-grandchildren, and five great grandchildren

Bartolovich’s demise comes just as Ohio (and the rest of the US) has seen an upsurge in COVID deaths and cases.  

Ohio broke the New Year’s Eve record with 20,598 daily cases. 

According to data from the state health division, there have been an average of 11,797 cases per person in the last 21 days.

According to Johns Hopkins University data, Ohio reported 667 deaths from virus-related causes on Friday. This was about 10 percent more than in any other state.

The surge comes as many states are reporting all-time highs for positive COVID cases amid the spread of the Omicron variant.

Johns Hopkins released Sunday’s latest numbers, which show that there have been 115.984 deaths and 280 new cases in the past 24 hours. The slow weekend reporting has caused a dip in previous reports. 

US had 402,998 cases in seven days on Sunday. 

Ohio set a new record for daily cases on New Year's Eve, reporting 20,598 cases. The state also reported 667 virus-related deaths on Friday, which was approximately 10 percent higher than any other state

Ohio posted a record number of daily cases for New Year’s Eve with 20,598. On Friday, 667 people died from virus-related causes in Ohio. This was about 10 percent more than the average for any state.

Many states are reporting all-time highs for positive COVID cases amid the spread of the Omicron variant

A spread of Omicron has led to many states reporting record-breaking numbers for positive COVIDs.

The latest figures from Johns Hopkins published Sunday show 115,984 new cases and 280 deaths in the last 24 hours

Johns Hopkins released Sunday’s latest statistics, which show that there have been 115 984 new cases and 280 deaths within the past 24 hours.

The US reached a seven-day average of 402,998 cases on Sunday

On Sunday, the US saw a 7-day average of 402,998 new cases

In a study by Columbia University, researchers speculated that the Omicron-fueled cases in the US may reach the peak by January 9, which would see from 2.5 million cases to 5.4 million cases per week. 

Health experts urge Americans to be cautious as the peak is nearing. 

According to the New York Times, approximately 62 percent are fully vaccinated in the US, and 73 percent have received their first vaccine.  

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that 68.8 Million of those who have been fully vaccinated received another dose (or a booster shot) since August 13th.