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As I’m boarding my flight back to China, I decided to start a thread on how traveling back home is really different in a pandemic.
It involves multiple PCR tests, cabin crew equipped in full PPE, 14-day mandatory quarantine at a hotel assigned by the state etc.
C’est parti!
It involves multiple PCR tests, cabin crew equipped in full PPE, 14-day mandatory quarantine at a hotel assigned by the state etc.
C’est parti!
First thing that’s different is of course the cabin crew —— they are all suited up in PPE.
Protective suits, hand gloves, N95 masks and goggles.
This has been the norm on all Chinese airlines since April/May.
I feel like a biohazard.
Protective suits, hand gloves, N95 masks and goggles.
This has been the norm on all Chinese airlines since April/May.
I feel like a biohazard.
All hot dinning services have also been canceled since the beginning of the pandemic on international flights operated by Chinese airlines.
So instead, everyone gets a bag of snacks at his/her seats.
But thank god alcohol is still provided onboard.
So instead, everyone gets a bag of snacks at his/her seats.
But thank god alcohol is still provided onboard.
After a 12-hour flight, I’m welcomed in my lovely hometown Guangzhou by more staff fully armored in PPEs.
Every passenger receives a number and a barcode that will follow them through the health check procedure at the airport.
Every passenger receives a number and a barcode that will follow them through the health check procedure at the airport.
All passengers arriving from abroad needs to do a nasal and mouth swap for PCR Covid test.
My nurse told me that I’m lucky since I flew in from Europe.
“Those arriving from Covid red zones, like the US, need to have their blood tested as well,” she said.
My nurse told me that I’m lucky since I flew in from Europe.
“Those arriving from Covid red zones, like the US, need to have their blood tested as well,” she said.
At the end of the airport inspection procedure, my passport now has one barcode and one sticker saying “sample collected” with today’s date 12/11.
Now I’m ready to board the bus to my assigned quarantine hotel.
Now I’m ready to board the bus to my assigned quarantine hotel.
At my quarantine hotel, again the staff members were fully geared up.
Our luggages were collected and aggressively sprayed with disinfectants.
One woman complained that her bag is not waterproof.
But most people, myself included, were glad since it saved us a lot of trouble.
Our luggages were collected and aggressively sprayed with disinfectants.
One woman complained that her bag is not waterproof.
But most people, myself included, were glad since it saved us a lot of trouble.
This will be my home for the next 14 days.
During the quarantine, I’m not allowed to leave my floor.
This room costs ¥425 ($65) per night, three meals per day included in the price.
It’s not crazy expensive, but when you multiply that by 13, it’s still a considerable amount.
During the quarantine, I’m not allowed to leave my floor.
This room costs ¥425 ($65) per night, three meals per day included in the price.
It’s not crazy expensive, but when you multiply that by 13, it’s still a considerable amount.
Day 6 of quarantine, my mom is worried about my mental health so she sent me this adorable tea set, with the tray.
Most quarantine hotels allow guests to order food deliveries and receive packages.
Hotel staff will bring them to your door.
I love my mother.
Most quarantine hotels allow guests to order food deliveries and receive packages.
Hotel staff will bring them to your door.
I love my mother.
Day 7 of quarantine and I just did my second Covid mouth swab. The first one was on Day 3.
At the end of my 14 quarantine, I will do another PCR test. All three results must be negative for me to leave quarantine.
The tests are free and you get the result back the same day.
At the end of my 14 quarantine, I will do another PCR test. All three results must be negative for me to leave quarantine.
The tests are free and you get the result back the same day.
Day 10 of quarantine, someone left a note outside my hotel room, with her number.
Now this is something that I definitely didn’t think will happen during quarantine.
Love in times of Covid quarantine??
Too cute to be real.
Now this is something that I definitely didn’t think will happen during quarantine.
Love in times of Covid quarantine??
Too cute to be real.
I messaged her and learned that her friend was also in my quarantine hotel and told her I’m “very cute.”
I was flattered but told her I’m gay. She thanked me and wished me luck.
For the first time, I felt accepted in China as a gay man, by a stranger.
Best quarantine memory.
I was flattered but told her I’m gay. She thanked me and wished me luck.
For the first time, I felt accepted in China as a gay man, by a stranger.
Best quarantine memory.
Day 13 of quarantine, just did my third and last Covid PCR test. If everything goes as planned, I shall be free tomorrow at noon.
Can’t wait to embrace that Covid-free world!
Can’t wait to embrace that Covid-free world!
Day 14 and the last day of quarantine. I’m free again, in a Covid-free world.
Life is back to normal in China, no need to wear a mask. It feels like another planet.
Thank you all for going on this journey with me. I wish you all a very merry Christmas and a safe fin d’année!
Life is back to normal in China, no need to wear a mask. It feels like another planet.
Thank you all for going on this journey with me. I wish you all a very merry Christmas and a safe fin d’année!
