Gavin Wheeldon is a British citizen, isolated in Son Tay since March 14 after landing in Hanoi on a flight from London, England.
Quarantine Experience Of A Foreigner In Vietnam
Here is the full text of this guy’s quarantine experience in Vietnam:
”5am - I landed at Noi Bai airport, Hanoi with the hope of a new life in the country I love. I finally managed to do that.
When we got off the plane, we were “welcome” by iron fences and had to complete health declarations. Some people were tested by swabs and staff at the airport were wearing protective clothing. Now everything becomes so real, no longer a newspaper headline.
Each of us had to wait to get our samples tested and submit our passports. I feel lucky that I filled out the online form and didn’t have to wait in line. They finished up taking samples from my throat and nose then I was told to sit in a specific area.
I looked back at the line of people waiting. Westerners, Vietnamese, everyone is waiting. As time went on, the confusion increased and none of us had a clue what would happen. A group of elderly people traveling nearby was complaining but it was clear that not only were we confused but the staff at that area weren’t sure what to do with us. I realized that someone was holding a meeting to discuss where to send us.
About 4-5 hours later, we were informed that there were two options. Get your passport back and catch another flight home or quarantine for 14 days in Vietnam. Forreigners would have to pay for the testing and quarantine fee unless there is a sponsor (the institution you are about to work with for example) while Vietnamese people will get free treatment.
“People started complaining and asking questions over and over again, I felt sorry for the translator. She was there to help us”
All Vietnamese had to be in quarantine while we had more than one choice. Either way, there’s no turning back. The number of foreigners was only 4, we didn’t know where to go and what awaited us. I only overheard that I was going somewhere far away.
We had to stay in the quarantine area for 14 days
We are brought to a place that looked like a freight port. Passports were put in a yellow bag and everthing seemed serious. When we were taken out of the airport, we were all thinking about what could happen. Will we be well fed? Would there be high exposure to the infected people? The surrounding began to change from busy streets to highways to countryside, until we reached a military base.
“They sprayed disinfectant when we entered and took us all to a large yard where our luggage was also disinfected.”
Looking around, there were two large rows of houses and fences. Everyone was wearing protective clothing. One by one we checked in and were directed to our room. They set up Europeans like us in one zone and separated men and women. Anyone with children will be allowed to stay in a separate room. The airport can be a bit chaotic but the quarantine is well organized. That proved that when the whole world was still hesitating, Vietnam was ready.
They sprayed disinfectant when we entered
When I went to my room, I looked at my surroundings. Fences and training ground and fields in the distance with farmers working hard. The condition was much better than I expected. 4 Westerners shared a room, with 10 military bunk beds. We talked, looked around, and went to sleep well. The next morning, an argument arose between us about talking while everyone was sleeping. We worked it out after that, but obviously we needed to pay attention to each other. Breakfast was Banh mi which eased all cravings – I really miss the taste of Vietnamese Banh Mi.
Then a soldier came back and bought me a SIM card. I wanted to “tip” him for helping me since I came here but he refused, just taking money for a SIM. Our interpreter arrived early and asked us about our time here. She revealed that she was not an employee of the embassy, she volunteered to come here. She took the risk to help us. We found out about the test results we got last night and we were all negative except for an elderly gentleman traveling on a business class plane. I was filled with relief but also anxiety. Would I have to stand near him? Did I touch something he might have touched? All I know was that he didn’t come with us after leaving the airport. We contacted relatives and reassured them but also informed that we would be here for 14 days.
Looking outside, everything was peaceful. The place was quiet, the soldiers worked tirelessly to disinfect the rooms daily, as well as record our temperatures and empty our trash cans. They lived there to help their country and no matter what they could hear from us, they are friendly and caring. So far, this feels more like a camping holiday than a quarantine. In our room, we shared snacks, fruit and started receiving things from relatives.
When I stepped outside, in the back of the designated area, a Vietnamese man said hi to me. He asked me how many people were in the room. I answered 4 and he said he was with 16 other people.
We knew that soon about 700 more people would arrive, and in 12 hours, lines of buses would arrive consecutively. By morning we had new neighbors and the block across from us was completely packed. Just by listening, you could tell that there were a lot of people. I was afraid that I may be infected by other people.
I took some pictures and walked around. Some luggage for some reason was still being left outside, and among them there was a trolley. The scene looked rather desolate.
The situation here was fine, but we fear that it could change. It was probably because of the tension and mutual fear among strangers as the crowd grew larger. However, one thing that kept me believing was that Vietnam would be working hard to keep everyone safe.”
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