Gerry, 79, and Barbara, 76, Jarrett have been on separate wards since being hospitalised with the virus two weeks ago.

NHS staff made sure the couple – who has been together for 50 years – had some ‘precious time’ this week as Ms Jarrett deteriorated and ‘looked to be at the end’.

Daughter, Chloe Keljarrett, posted a photograph of her parents on Twitter on Tuesday, thanking staff at Surrey’s Frimley Park Hospital for their ‘compassion’.

Mrs Keljarrett said: ‘In the midst of a pandemic peak, staff (namely a consultant, a surgeon and a HCA) at FPH just made sure my dad saw my mum for what is likely the last time. THAT is our NHS. For God’s sake protect it as much as you can.’

Ms Jarrett’s eyes flew open and she ‘was awake and bright and could talk’ as soon as Mr Jarrett ‘touched her hand’, Mrs Keljarrett told the BBC.

She said: ‘We got a precious extra hour or two before her breathing got worse again and got to say what we wanted.’

The Frimley Health NHS Foundation Trust responded to the teacher’s tweet, saying: ‘Our hearts go out to you and your family. We are so glad that our staff managed to make this time just a little bit easier for you all.

‘This truly is some of the care we give that matters the most.’

NHS Million, an organisation that supports staff, told Mrs Keljarrett: ‘Our hearts are with you.’

Many others left sympathies for the family on the post, also vocalising their admiration for NHS staff.

Mrs Keljarrett said her dad was ‘showing signs of improvement’ but still has ‘a number of other health issues that will make recovery that bit trickier’.

She has vowed to remain positive and has marvelled at how NHS staff ‘are managing such compassion when they are stretched to their emotional and physical limits’.