COVID-19

COVID 19 has affected different people in different ways. This ongoing unprecedented pandemic situation has shattered individuals’ lives, families, job places, and countries.

I personally have experienced all the burden of this situation in the beginning of September. It was the time when my mom had an immediate stroke and was sent from Yellowknife to Edmonton Hospital to be treated. After her discharge from the hospital, I booked tickets to return her to the Philippines to let my mom rehabilitate in her home country. It was a difficult decision that I had to make since millions of questions were swirling in my head: will I be able to book tickets back to Canada? Will we undergo Covid testing in the Vancouver Airport? Will the plane be crowded or will social distancing be enforced? Will I immediately return back to Canada or will I have to stay in the Philippines longer?

To my surprise and disappointment, Vancouver flight to the Philippines was fully packed! I thought airlines were following the social distancing rules by only accepting a limited number of people on the plane, but I assume airplanes have to recoup the costs and to earn more these days whenever they have a chance. With fears in my heart, sitting next to each other, having to breathe the same air, though through the face coverings, I just prayed so that we are all safe.

Arriving to the Manila Airport was another sad story. In the new reality, straight from the plane, all of us were directed to the testing facility as per the local regulations. With a heavy heart, I reminisced about the old good times when I used to feel excited while getting my luggage and seeing my family members right away to meet up and hug each other. If someone is returning as an Overseas Factory Worker (OFW), the Covid testing and hotel fees are covered by the Philippines government. I am not qualified as OFW, so I had to pay $130.00 Canadian dollars for the test and $100.00 for the hotel. It was very exhausting to wait in a long line to be tested after a 16- hour long-haul flight. To make things worse, social distancing was not practiced in that building, and I felt nervous and scared. After the test, we had to go to the Hotel to stay there and wait for the Covid rest result. With the heavy heart, unease mind, and a tiring body, I was not able to sleep thinking what might be the result. The next morning was a happy day when my mom and I resulted negative on the Covid testing.

Even though we were Covid negative, we were not still allowed to roam around in the community. During the five days of my stay in the Philippines, I spent time only with my siblings and family. My dearest friends, former classmates, and my former colleagues were afraid to visit us which upset me because I can visit my home country only once in a while and would love to meet my friends and dear ones, go shopping, eat out… None of these happened this time.

Returning to Yellowknife, Canada was another ordeal. However, I was quite happy that the Government of Northwest Territories has implemented viable procedures to follow for travellers entering the province. The government is offering a free hotel stay to observe 14-day self-isolation. I was met by the hotel staff at the airport and taken to the hotel, a suite room with three times a day room service for free! Isn’t it amazing that amidst the difficult situation, the government of Northwest Territories has ensured that everything is covered? With the regular check ups, everything seems to be well except that I miss my husband and my son.

This Covid….. this year……. I know will be over soon. I always believe, there’s a rainbow after the rain!