Journal of Self-Isolation: Day 1

July 23, 2020

I woke up early, showered, got dressed, and immediately went to work packing my suitcases.  I spent all day yesterday in bed with a migraine, so I didn’t have time to spare.  I was expected to be at the downtown hotel between 1pm – 4pm, ready to go into isolation.  Breakfast consisted of delicious pancakes prepared by my mother.

It took me all morning to finish packing.  There was also an errand that needed to be completed before I entered the hotel.  The task took me from one corner of the city to another.  I was just glad I was able to get it out of the way.  I double checked & triple checked to make sure I had everything I needed for the next 6 months.

Lunch consisted of steaks made by my father on a barbecue.  The original plan was to have them yesterday for dinner, but, as you know, my migraine got in the way.  The steaks had been marinating for a few days in the fridge.  My mother prepared the marinade.  As always, the steaks tasted great.

People going into isolation are allowed to bring food.  This helps the government save money on food expenses, but I do not know by how much.  My mother prepared a large food box for me to take.  Even though there would be room service, sometimes, it’s good to give the kitchen staff a break. 

The early afternoon was spent loading the car with all my belongings.  Everything was in various sizes so the task felt like playing a real-life version of Tetris.  In the end, everything worked out.

My dad came with me to the hotel because he needed to drive the car back home.  My mom stayed behind because the car was fully packed.  We said our goodbyes and promised to stay in touch over the phone & internet.  We also hoped that I would be able to visit during the Christmas Holidays.  The time was 3pm when we arrived at the hotel.  I entered the lobby wearing a face mask and walked to the front desk.  I introduced myself and handed over my documents.  I was given a luggage cart and instructed to bring all my stuff inside.  My dad helped me with the unloading.  We said our goodbyes when we were done.

I was escorted by security to a secluded meeting room where the Director-in-Charge greeted me.  After checking my name on his list, he gave me a form to read & sign.  He then proceeded to explain the rules I had to follow to complete my isolation.  Basically, it all comes down to 2 rules: Stay in your room, and don’t break isolation.  You’re allowed to leave your room to get fresh air in a designated area (a large porch next to the secluded meeting room) but you’ll be escorted by security.  Meals are provided three times a day, but you’re allowed to order food from outside.  Security personnel will deliver the food.  Elevator travel will take longer because only one person is allowed inside the car at a time.  Yup, sounds like prison . . . in some ways.  I nodded and understood what was expected of me.

There are other less important rules that I won’t bore you with.  The Director gave me a paper copy of all the rules at the end of his lecture.  I then waited to be called by a nurse.  I was taken to a different meeting room and the nurse took my temperature.  She asked a few medical questions and explained someone would be calling me everyday to check on my health.  Lastly, she quickly reviewed the isolation rules with me.  I was then sent back to the Director to receive my room number and key cards.

I took an elevator to the floor where my room is located.  I pushed my luggage cart out and was greeted by a security guard.  I told him my room number and he pointed to the end of the hallway.  There was another guard at the end of the hallway.  I got to the door and used my key card to enter.  I removed everything that was on the luggage cart and pushed it back to the elevator.  The guard said he would take the cart back to the main lobby.

The hotel room I’ll be staying in for the next two weeks is quite spacious.  The kitchen area is equipped with a fridge, dishwasher, microwave, hotplates, sink, and drawers & cupboards stocked with cutlery and other kitchen items.  The bed & screen tv are quite big.  The shower stall & toilet are in a separate room, but the bathroom sink is just outside the bathroom door.  Overall, there’s a lot of space for me to move around.  Unfortunately, I don’t a good view of the city from the window.  All I can see is the West Memorial Building and it’s in the process of being renovated.  I spend the next two hours unpacking everything. 

The last thing I did was read the paper copy of the rules the Director gave me.  After that, I lied down on the bed and let out a long sigh.

And so, isolation begins, I said to myself.

                                                                To Be Continued . . .