Durban woman counts down days until she reunites with family

DURBAN resident, Chelsea Williams and seven other South Africans, who were stranded at Hamad International Airport (Doha), were recently repatriated and placed in isolation where they are currently awaiting their Covid-19 test results.

The group were woken up at 3.30am on Thursday, 2 March and told that they would be returning to South Africa.

“Not knowing how to really feel, we packed and met in the lobby. The Qatar staff fetched us and took us to our boarding gate,” said Chelsea.

The group then boarded the plane.

“There were enough seats for us all to sit in, and we are right by the cockpit. There was no air stewardess so we were allowed to help ourselves to food and drink. They had two security guards that came with for precautions too. It all felt surreal as it was all a secret us coming home,” said Chelsea.

ALSO READ: GOOD NEWS: 8 South Africans stranded at Doha airport are coming home

She said government officials, airport staff and police were waiting for them as they disembarked from the plane. The group boarded a bus and were taken to Eskom Academy of Learning in Midrand, a dedicated quarantine facility.

“We are not allowed to leave our rooms at all. Any time there is a knock at our door we must put our masks on then open the door,” said Chelsea.

“We have all been tested and now we wait for the results to find out how they would like to proceed after the results. For now it remains unknown whether they will make us stay the full 14 days, or if we can leave and self-isolate. I will continue to talk to my amazing family and friends to help me get through this difficult time. I definitely rely on them to keep me sane, laughing and they are always there for me at my lowest,” said Chelsea.

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