COVID Test

After an OK first night’s sleep the following morning my first (and only outside activity) was to go to the local health centre and get the first of 2 COVID tests. I get one at the start and one at the end of quarantine. If I pass them, I get let into the country properly!

So it was back into Won’s COVID wagon and off we go to the local medical centre in Nonsan-si. As we arrive at the centre I am handed a small package with a specific heavy duty mask, and a set of blue gloves (that were slightly too small!) both of which have to be worn the whole time I am at the testing centre.

Once you arrive and are straightaway temperature checked, then (once passed) you are checked in, with your passport being checked off against the list. Then you get your COVID “Goody Bag” this includes a thermometer that you must use to report your temperature with twice a day into the Korean Quarantine app. I’m informed it’s best to do it under my arm (thankfully!) and that I have to return quite fancy thermometer! Also in the bag are hand and general disinfectant, and special quarantine rubbish bags. Any rubbish we generate must be disinfected with the spray and placed into 2 special rubbish bags (first blue and then green), which I presume are then thrown in Mordor somewhere?!

They also take your KakaoTalk ID (Korean What’s App) as I am to expect 2 voice calls and 1 video call a day via the app from my local Korean government contact to check I am still in my room.

So then it’s time for the test. A man goes into a booth and puts his hands into some very industrial rubber gloves (like you’d see in films for handling dangerous chemicals or radioactive materials!). Then you get a swab right at the back of the throat and another so far up your nose you presume it’s from the back of your skull! Neither is painful but also not pleasant! Oh well another 2 weeks before my next one!

The whole thing was quick and very well organised I have to say, excellent work and I received the results the next day to say I am COVID negative!

Now I am back in my room and continuing to try and make the most of my quarantine period! Hence this blog…

This entry was posted on Monday, August 17th, 2020 at 4:50 am