By Sandhya Soans
Mangaluru: In the first week of March, the novel coronavirus outbreak, also known as COVID-19, had been announced as a global pandemic by the World Health Organization (WHO). At that time, I had already resigned from my job in Dubai, my UAE residency visa was under cancellation and I was scheduled to travel by the end of March. By the second week, the coronavirus outbreak had taken a toll all over the world. Reportedly, over 210,000 people were infected and 9,000 lost their lives (at that time). Countries were closing borders and announcing a massive shut down. Things were getting worse by the hour, which is when I knew I had to expedite my exit.
I searched through the news websites to understand the situation of this global pandemic and the coronavirus outbreak, specifically in India. But, there was no clarity on the protocols followed at the Indian airports or even the actual number of infected individuals. Each news portal said something different, creating more paranoia and fear. As the days passed, the global shutdown became further evident and major airlines started cancelling their flights. I could not overstay in the UAE, hence, I decided to fly within the week.
On March 16 – the Indian Ministry of Health extended its compulsory quarantine for a minimum of 14 days for all passengers coming in from and transiting through the UAE among other countries. As I was travelling from Dubai to Mangaluru, I was certain that the health professional at the Dubai International Airport, as well as the Mangaluru International Airport (MIA), would do their due diligence. I prepared myself mentally, that I may have to undergo quarantine – be it voluntary or under the observation of healthcare professionals at the local hospital.
On the March 20, I flew just a day before all the flights were scheduled to stop operations. I reached the Dubai International Airport wearing two layers of clothes, a mask, gloves and armed myself with a stack of sanitizers. I sanitized every object in my sight – from the trolley to the suitcases I was carrying; from the chair I was seated on to my passport and my phone. Dubai International Airport is one of the world’s busiest airports and I have been traveling to-and-fro for over five years now. But this time, the airport looked deserted with very few people and limited counters. Although there were no health examinations at the Dubai International Airport for departures, I did see a few thermal cameras.
I boarded the flight – every passenger was wearing a mask, including the check-in staff and the flight attendants. It looked like a scene from an apocalyptic movie. I had booked a seat on the first row right next to the exit gate, the next three and a half hours were the longest. The flight attendant distributed a “Self-Reporting Form” that had to be filled by all international passengers on board. Also, announcements were made on the flight to report if passengers experience any symptoms related to Coronavirus in the coming days. The announcement said, “All passengers can call 01123978046 a 24×7 State Helpline Number provided by the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Government of India to report any health-related symptoms indicating coronavirus.” I learnt that announcements were made in all Indian Carriers travelling from COVID-19 affected countries including Italy, Iran, Republic of Korea, France, Spain, Germany, UAE etc.
After reaching the Mangaluru airport, passengers formed a que and had to go through three counters, before reaching the immigration desk. At the first counter – a medical staff checked the temperature. At the second counter – the filled-up Self-Reporting Forms were accepted and the staff asked if anyone had any symptoms related to COVID-19, one-by-one. At the third and final counter – a stamp was imprinted on the right hand indicating compulsory home quarantine.
I moved to the immigration desk and was asked general questions, collected my baggage and left the airport in no time. I asked around the airport and understood that only people showing symptoms of coronavirus or passengers having regular fever, cough or any other sickness were being quarantined at the Wenlock Hospital in Mangaluru. Healthy passengers were only asked to be home quarantined, but must stay indoors, as well as away from their family member, as they might carry the virus from the co-passengers or their surroundings.
I think this is the least we could do, while the world is fighting this pandemic and the medical staff are risking their lives at the forefront – we can only contribute by social distancing.
