This archive report was first published on 10 June 2020.
As I write this, it's Tuesday, June 9, 2020, and I'm still in Nigeria, where I've been stranded since March 21. My flight is scheduled for Friday, June 12, and I'm anxious about the plans for isolation once I get back home.
Having spent the past three months in Nigeria, I've developed a routine that helps me cope with the challenges of being stranded. I wake up early, usually around 7 am, and try to stay busy throughout the day. Yesterday was an exception, as I slept through the night, feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.
My day started with a phone call from a fellow repatriation group member, who was looking for an alternative testing centre. He and two others had been denied tests due to bureaucratic issues, and I guided him through my experience at the centre where I got my test. We agreed that they should try their luck at the centre, hoping that the staff would be sympathetic.
After catching up on the news and social media, I took a look at the list of quarantine facilities in Kenya listed on the Kenya Airways website. Each facility charges between Sh2,000 and Sh15,000 per day, which is a significant amount for me to afford. I'm hoping that I'll be able to apply for self-isolation at home once I get back.
To keep myself busy, I decided to write down a list of supplies I'll need to survive the 14 days indoors. I'm trusting that my family will shop and drop them off at my doorstep. Time seems to be moving at an excruciatingly slow pace as my travel date approaches.
As I wait for my test results, I'm anxious about the plans for isolation once I get back home. I'm hoping that Kenya Airways will be understanding and allow me to board and get the test at home if I fail to get one in time.
