Day 7: Home

It’s wonderful to be HOME!!!! 


Now that the quarantine is over, I have a few reflections that I want to share:

First and foremost, although quarantine stinks, and I have issues with the communication and processes at Moon Palace generally, I give them very high marks for their handling of what I’m sure was a rise in positive guests following the holidays. I don’t regret going on this trip and would go there again. 

However—if I had it to do over again I would not leave on such an early flight. I would leave during normal business hours so that I could get help if I needed it, and please plan to check out at the front desk. After speaking with others I don’t think that my experience was unique. They really require you to check out at the desk in order to settle up your balance and have your wristband removed/confiscated. That’s all part of how they keep the resort so safe amidst unrest in the region.

Second, I found it surprising that there was no way to get common medicines like Pepto Bismol or Tylenol delivered to Moon Palace quarantine rooms by either medical staff OR the gift shop. That is one logistical issue that they can and should fix. 

Third, I genuinely worry about anyone with mental health issues having their freedom suddenly restricted in that way. Please visit https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/find-help for a list of online resources.

If you are at Moon Palace press the➕ “Medical Services”  button on your phone to reach a doctor and speak frankly about your feelings. Hopefully they can get help.

Finally, I just want to reiterate that if you choose to travel during this pandemic, do NOT assume all will be well. Of course it probably will be, but you must have a plan in place for quarantine and testing just in case. 

Because I was in a resort that had a plan, everything was essentially handled for me. The testing, housing (at NO COST to me), even the doctor who provided me with the documentation I needed in order to get home. 

If you are staying in an Airbnb, for example, and you test positive, will they let you stay? Can you afford 5+ more days (14 days if you’re from Canada)? Can you get medical attention if you’re symptomatic? Do you have travel insurance? What if only one of you tests positive—what if that is a child? If you are required to test negative (CA residents and others) but don't get a negative test on Day 5 can you get a local medical professional to provide you with a "proof of recovery" letter if you haven't quarantined under their supervision? Or will you need to keep quarantined until you get a negative?

Please have a quarantine plan before you go and make sure everyone you’re traveling with has a copy. Pack over the counter medication.

Also, I've confirmed that I got lucky travelling home on Day 6. The CDC clarifies that Day 0 is positive test day. Your 5 days of quaratine start counting the NEXT DAY.  Read: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/your-health/quarantine-isolation.html#isolation

That’s all I’ve got. Please feel free to email me with any questions or feedback, mmstjohnemail[at]gmail.com. 🙏💕

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