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In picture: Stranded in the Philippines, ‘detained’ in Australia
Gayzha Davao of Melbourne shares some of the struggles from her flight home during COVID, as well as the challenges from her 14 days in hotel quarantine.
Passengers who arrived in Melbourne queue up to board the SkyBus to take them to the hotel on a 14-day quarantine period. | Photo: Gayzha Davao
It was really stressful as it turned out that there are thousands of passengers stranded in the Philippines!
It’s like being in an unknown situation as I had flights cancelled five times in March while stranded in the Philippines. We still did not know when flights come back to normal as the situation was changing and lockdown could be longer.
To be included on the flight was like being saved from the unknown.
14 days in hotel quarantine:
The 14 day hotel mandatory quarantine, was really unimaginable.
It was a lot of struggle being alone for the first time for 14 days.
I never thought before that a 14 day quarantine would be hard… (I thought) that it was just easy.
Being there and alone will make you crazy and emotionally sick… Thinking you might have the COVID and die. You cannot go out and there are guards who treat you like you are sick and in prison. Time runs slow and i was not able to sleep.
The only thing good is that you are following the government orders and helping the COVID pandemic.
Leaving the Crown Plaza Hotel, I really felt like I am out of prison!!! I cried..
– Gayzha Davao
Direction and Detention Notice
Gayzha: “The food was not really nice for me as it was all biscuits, sandwich and pasta.” | Photo: Gayzha Davao
Gayzha: “There was nothing to do but watch tv, Netflix … read, exercise … but still you feel like your in prison.” | Photo: Gayzha Davao
May 3 – 14 nights completed! Thank you Crowne Plaza! | Photo: Gayzha Davao
DHS Officer checks passports during the check out procedure. | Photo: Gayzha Davao
On the way out after 14 days in hotel quarantine. | Photo: Gayzha Davao
Freedom! Outside the Crowne Plaza Hotel | Photo: Gayzha Davao
Several cabs were waiting to take guests home. | Photo: Gayzha Davao
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