What Quarantine is like from a SAFFA who is on the inside...

On arrival into Ireland:

They announced on the plane that quarantine passengers are to remain seated as requested by the defense force.

Officials came to us on the plane and asked us to wait for them, when they said everyone was off they came to us.

We we escorted to a specific area, around the back, and not to go near anyone (which is odd because we just shared a plane with them all!) We remained in this room until everyone else had cleared immigration.

We were the ONLY passengers required to go to hotel quarantine on the plane and in this holding room.

They checked our immigration info and then took us to luggage collection/customs and scanned all our luggage, not sure if due to us being from South Africa or because we were on our own and they were not bombarded with a plane full of passengers at the time! They were good natured!

We were escorted to the bus by defense force and the bus driver (hotel employee) loaded our luggage while we remained in the bus.

We had 3 defense force escorts for just the 2 of us.

Water, sanitiser and masks are available on the bus.

The defense force followed our bus in their official vehicle. There was also a security guard from the hotel on the bus in the front with the driver

At the hotel: (This example is Crowne Plaza, Santry, Dublin)

Summary of Restrictions in the hotel:

You cannot leave your room! (unless for pre-booked breaks more below)

No visitors at the hotel

No Photography or audio recording without permission- this is of staff and other guests

You can book an exercise slot or book to go for a smoke break only when you you have had the first pcr test after arrival and a negative result has been received, the first pcr test was at 11am the second day (arrival was 6am the day before) and they said results would be received in 48 hours. You cannot get outside time until the PCR test is done, could be the following day. See more below...

 Medical in the hotel:

This particular family is applying for a medical exemption on remaining in quarantine, which I am not discussing because it is personal, and this will only be handled once they are at the hotel.

Update: does not look like medical exemption will be granted. They say there are medical staff available 24/7. One of the members is receiving incredible EXTRA health care, and extra support is being given above and beyond what was expected. I wish I could explain the circumstances, but as it is personal, I will not.

All I can say... DISCUSS you issues with the support medical staff there. If you need something they will go above and beyond. Knowing this family, they are kind, gentle people who will be communicating in a considered way... all I can say is WOW! Well done on all you are doing! So proud of you! I hope soon all your troubles will be done with!

EVERYONE they have encountered have been lovely and kind and professional.

If you have meds that need refridgeration, speak to the medical staff, they also ask that you let them know. If you need sharps containers for disposal of any medical items such as needles. They will help you with medication and additional medical needs based on the Doctor's advise on site. They offered to obtain chronic medication if you do not have enough with you to cover the quarantine period. WOW!

Food in the hotel:

There are no choices for breakfast or lunch. But dinner you can choose one of 2 different meat choices or a veg choice. There are dietary/ allergies checks and so if you are vegetarian etc they cater for that.

There is a bar fridge in the room, which is empty and marked as not for personal use so effectively there is no fridge. You are not allowed any cooking appliances or open flames in the room either.

You can order and pay for extra food or snacks, but you may want to consider bringing your own or order a delivery.

Breakfast is between 8.30 and 9.30

Lunch 13.30- 14.30

Dinner 18.30-19.30

There is additional room service which you can call and order. There is additional cost. You pay using a link sent to you by E-mail. This means there is no additional face to face contact where not needed and no need for card machines.

Examples of meals:

Lunch Mushroom soup

 And a roll

And dinner

The menu

There are two bottles of still water 2l in the room too. Order more if required.

There is tea and coffee provided. But these are standard variety instant coffee. You may want to consider packing your special brand of tea bags or a small coffee plunger and filter coffee granules.

You will be provided with long life milk and sugar. But you can order a little extra fresh milk.

Room Service:

So this is should you want to order something extra, other than the 3 meals a day.

I know these prices may be scary for those of you on the Rand, but this is pretty standard, eating out prices in Ireland, cafe food, pub drink prices.

Outdoor breaks:

You need to book your breaks in advance for a specific time. This cannot be done until you have done your first PCR test, so may only be the following day after arrival.

When you have booked your breaks, you will be escorted by security to the designated area, you need to wear a mask to the place, then you need to stay away from all other people while having your break in that time. All areas have CCTV and are monitored. It does not say how often you can book these breaks, just that you have to book your slots in advance.

 Smoking:

You can book slots to go out to a designated area for a smoke break. This cannot be done until you have done your first PCR test, so may only be the following day or two after arrival.

There is NO smoking in the rooms.... EUR150 fine if you do.

So, you may want to consider a vape and vape oil to help you through the flight and arrival and all those in between moments when you can't smoke freely. (not the person in quarantine, but the typist of this blog (Megan) is a smoker... you have my absolute respect! I cannot imagine how tough this is going to be without the smoke breaks!)

When you have booked your smoke breaks, you will be escorted by security to the designated area, you need to wear a mask to the place, then you need to stay away from all other people while having your smoke/s in that time. All smoking areas have CCTV and are monitored. It does not say how often you can book these smoke breaks, just that you have to book your slots in advance.

Deliveries:

You can order food or personal packages. If you want alcohol you need to order from room service.

You cannot received illegal items (Im guessing this means drugs)

You cannot order items that may be a safety risk- gas cookers, heaters, toasters, grills or anything  with a naked flame.

If staff believe your package may contain these potentially dangerous items, they will hold on to them until after you leave or will return to sender.

  Laundry, Toiletries and Rubbish:

2 laundry bags for the 12 days, outside of that you pay. Place your dirties in the bag outside the door and it will be handled.

Clean linen and towels are left outside the room door every 3 days, you change your own bed.

They have three rubbish pick up times. You have rubbish bags and are required to double bag the rubbish then leave it outside in those times (you don't have to leave it for each time).

They provide three in one body wash/shampoo and conditioner and a hand soap all dove. If you need more of these items, you just contact them!

PCR Tests:

Your first test will be done on the day or the following day after arrival. The medical team will arrange and conduct the test on site. The test is the least painful/uncomfortable that the family have had to date (one of them has already had seven so has a lot of comparison).

  Leisure and Mental Health:

There is not as much space as expected for exercise. Now this may depend on the type of room you get.

This is a twin room: