Self quarantine for 14 days is now mandatory in many countries around the world as part of the global effort to defeat the spread of the Covid-19 virus.  There has been some confusion and anger over this action with many citizens voicing out against inconvenience.  This article was written to help explain the reason for this inconvenient but necessary move.

• You have just arrived home from abroad and are looking forward to see your family and loved ones.  But unknown to others, you (yes, you) may be carrying the Covid-19 virus with you home and may potentially pass this on to your family or even worse, your parents and grandparents who are more vulnerable to getting the infection because they are older.  Quarantine is a way to ensure your family and friends are SAFE FROM YOU.

• You may not have any symptoms now but the virus has an incubation period of around 5-14 days.   As such, you may only get the symptoms after you have landed.  The 14-day quarantine period was designed to ensure that if NO symptoms appear by day 14, you can be assured (though not guaranteed) that you are FREE OF INFECTION. 

Click to read Amanda Siew’s video on How to Prepare for Self-Quarantine

Ten Tips to help make your Quarantine more productive

1. Inform your lecturers (if you are a student) or supervisor (if you are working) to prepare for any homework or work deadlines 

2. Travel with friends or get to know someone on the same flight to ease the boredom

3. Protect yourself by packing masks or gloves in your hand carry luggage

4. Pack some hand-sanitisers and wet wipes to practice self hygiene

5. Have a black ball-point pen ready to fill in forms (there will be lots!) at the airport

6. Pack enough clothes for 14 days or bring some detergent to do any hand-washing 

7. Pack extra toiletries and personal hygiene essentials (including sanitary pads for women) because you may not have access to the shops

8. Pack a Universal Plug Adaptor so that you can continue to use your electronic equipment

9. Establish a routine so that you do not get bored, tired or even depressed.  Take time out to connect with your friends and chat online with them.

10. Be positive and try to learn some new skills using online resources.  Congratulate yourself that you are doing your part in the war against the virus. 

The Government and Health of Ministry have made huge efforts to fight the infection in people who are infected and at the same time, to prevent the virus from spreading to the people who are well.  Frontline workers such as Medical Professionals, Healthcare Workers, Police and Army personnel are risking their lives by working hard to keep us all safe.

By observing the Quarantine and Movement Control Order, you would have succeeded in preventing the virus from potentially spreading to someone else.  Every single one of us in this world, needs to do his/her part to defeat this infection.   The pandemic will end when the virus cannot find anyone to infect. 

Do your part

Stay Home, Stay Safe

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Disclaimer. TELEME blog posts contains general information about health conditions and treatments. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. The information is not advice and should not be treated as such. 

If you think you may be suffering from any medical condition, you should seek immediate medical attention from your doctor or other professional healthcare providers. You should never delay seeking medical advice, disregard medical advice, or discontinue medical treatment because of information on this website.