COVID-19 is the Great Equalizer

I left the Philippines when the new virus started to affect Wuhan. That was the first of February. I went prepared, even brought with me masks and hand sanitiser.   It was the only time I spent over 3 hours waiting for my flight.  Then, I arrived in Uganda not having to get myself checked or quarantined, like it is now. I only have to show the usual yellow card to let the officers at the airport know I am vaccinated with yellow fever and I’m good to go.

Two months since, I am self quarantined in my little house up in West Nile after I was told I am a PUM - person under monitoring. 

I left Kampala just in time for the government declaration of national lock down, even private vehicles are not anymore allowed in the streets. But I was there in Kampala when the first case was confirmed - the narrative changes.  The same day most expats with families are able to leave to go home fearing the worst being here. I got exposed from one of those under 20 people despedida, thanks to the many meetings we do trying to anticipate the arrival of the virus at Uganda doorstep, you never knew who was carrier and who was positive of covid-19.

With the national lockdown, my organisation  has to stop our field intervention in the refugee settlement. Myself being in quarantine is relegated to work-from-home and had to endure Skype meetings to get something done for our projects, and feel connected.

Social distancing is already hard, being self-quarantined is harder. I don’t envy those with families with them, especially young kids. The same time the office has output expectations while on it.  But hey, I am not complaining, just stating facts!

The virus is a great equalizer; it is a serious business. If we don’t follow all the precautionary measures we put many peoples life at risk, and to be the one in charge of getting guidelines for our intervention in the field, I have to set an example for all.

Stay safe everyone.