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On July 11, Sergeant Simon of Tsuen Wan District (TWDIST), who has four family members, received an alarming phone call from the Department of Health, informing him that his mother-in-law had tested positive for COVID-19. Since Simon and his family had been in close contact with her, they had to undergo a 14-day compulsory quarantine.
Simon recalled, “At that time, my wife and I did not know if our three children had been exposed to COVID-19. We were also worried that we might have been infected with the virus and spread it to colleagues and friends.”
After submitting their specimens for COVID-19 testing, Simon and his family were taken to the quarantine centre at Lei Yue Mun Park and Holiday Village. At that time, Simon had no information about the facilities and situation in the quarantine centre as well as his mother-in-law’s medical condition in the hospital. Everything came all too sudden. Simon and his wife felt exhausted and anxious as they hurriedly packed necessities for their children.
Recounting their experiences in quarantine, Simon said, “The first challenge that we had to face was accommodation. We stayed in a temporary quarantine unit where no television was available and the telecommunication signal reception was poor. We had been set apart from the world.” Despite being confined to a room of less than 300 square feet, they did enjoy the rare family time without attention to mobile phones. “The second challenge that we faced was food,” he added. “The food in the quarantine centre did not seem to agree with my children. We had to wait for three hours to get a cup of instant noodles.”
Simon and his family were worried about their long stay in the quarantine centre. Luckily, they received care and support from Simon’s colleagues and supervisors. “They showed their support to me and my family, and even sent a handmade card to cheer us up. My supervisor had granted me authorised absence for the whole quarantine period. It really eased my worry.”
Moreover, Training and Staff Relations Officer and Welfare Committee of TWDIST delivered bread, fruits, drinks, hand sanitisers and daily necessities to Simon and his family. “The warmest and unexpected part was that my colleagues brought snacks to my three children. My children were listless in the quarantine centre, but they were overjoyed when they received potato chips and candies. They were happier than when getting their Christmas presents.” Simon also took the opportunity to teach his children to adapt to the environment with a positive attitude and to cherish what they have. Simon and his wife also spent time in doing summer assignments and exercises with their children so as to equip them physically and mentally to face adversity in future.
“My wife and I are thankful for that. I am glad that I am a member of the Police Force.” Simon gave his heartfelt thanks to his colleagues of TWDIST for their care and support. Simon and his family completed the quarantine and were tested negative. He has resumed his duties.
