A 14-Day Quarantine in Singapore: An Experience from Student
In December 2020, I went to Singapore to pursue an MA degree. Since the COVID-19 situation remained uncertain, I have to follow the restrictive rules in that country in order to start my study, including a quarantine.
I spent two weeks alone in a room that has no balcony located at Holiday Inn Express Clark Quay, Singapore. As part of a Stay Home Notice (SHN), I was not allowed to step out even merely one meter from my room unless I had to undergo a swab test on the eleventh day of quarantine. Otherwise, there will be a charge of around a thousand dollars.
Three weeks before leaving my hometown and serving quarantine, I had been preparing all necessary requirements. However, at that time, I was uncertain that I could travel due to the variant Delta of COVID-19 reaching the highest death toll in my country. I was aware that people are vulnerable and could possibly be diagnosed positive anytime. I felt this one worrying right after taking my first swab test in a well-known hospital in Surabaya. This anxiety went on until I departed from the airport.
Luckily, I manage to go through all these concerns and impossibilities. Amidst such a bad (maybe worse) situation, I believe this crisis will come to an end when respective experts manage to find a viable solution.
Since I was not the only one traveling for study purposes, I was looking for friends for departure preparation. Otherwise, I could possibly be lonely. There were seven of us, trying our best to remind each other of necessary things, notably on the strict and rigid regulations on custom. We traveled separately from our respective regions across Archipelago. We created a group chat and had an online meeting to make sure that we fulfilled all requirements and, the most important thing, ensure none were left behind.
On 17 December 2020, the Airbus I flew with only carried a small number of passengers. five out of seven were in economic class and held a student visa or working visa, and the rest were permanent residents. This two-hour-and-half flight felt like the seven of us rent an airplane exclusively.
Shortly after arrival, the situation at Changi Airport was not the same as in 2016 I went there. This unprecedented pandemic makes the number of travelers drop massively due to travel restrictions. By the time I arrived, the travelers were escorted by a lot of airport staff. In a normal situation, that situation might look strange. After passing through the immigration desks, there are a list of country and the duration of the quarantine, from five, seven to fourteen days. Unfortunately, I got the longest one.
The bus was waiting outside the airport for those who got the small sticker referring to the duration of SHN to take to the hotels. No idea what hotel I get; many of my friends made a joke to wish to stay at the luxury one near Marina Bay. In the end, none of us were lucky.
By the time I arrived at the hotel, the staff question me about my food preference, Malay, Chinese, or Indian food, vegan or not, and ensuring I smoked or not.
The next day I woke up; the room bell was ringing, the staff put the food right in front of the door. Seconds after I open it, I see none, just a package of food, a fruit, and a juice. This package I got is for breakfast, lunch and dinner. I just wonder do these staff afraid of us (quarantiners) or it is what it is to undergo SHN.
My cycle of SHN life seems boring but I can deal with it. Video calling families is the top priority over others. Fortunately, there are zoom meetings, conferences, seminars that I attend virtually that almost forget my own situation. If getting bored, the tv channels, coffee, and food can be alternative entertainments. In addition, I have got vid call from faculty staff every day to make sure that I am in the room 24/7. Delighted to have that call.
Day 11 of SHN is a swab test, that’s my second time of a lifetime. It conducted at the basement of the hotel for all newcomers. I felt not so that hurt like the first time 2 weeks before but I was okay at that time. What makes me more worried is the outcome in the next 2 days. I was fortunate, the message from the telegram app stated that I tested negative and I am able to leave quarantine on Day 14, smelling the fresh air of life out there finally.
Thank you for reading this story I shared.
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