My Self-Quarantine Diary
I’ve been self-quarantining at my house for five days. Yes, I have COVID-19. Last Saturday, one of my family members was confirmed with coronavirus. So I got tested for a rapid antigen test for COVID-19, which turned out negative. I was relieved that the result came back negative. However, this Monday , I woke up with a scratchy throat, which is a typical symptom of Coronavirus, so I took a rapid antigen test at hospital again and it came out positive. Last Saturday and Sunday must be incubation periods. At first, I didn’t believe that I got confirmed positive because I got vaccinated three times. Soon I realized that the vaccination was of no use avoiding Coronavirus. Unlike my brother who was infected but completely asymptomatic, I underwent a sore throat. It hurt when I talked. What’s more, I had phlegm in my throat and a dry cough. Lying down on my bed, Teacher Green’s writing reminded me that “physical pain is the worst and all I can do is wait for the pain to go away”. It was really true.
Another pain was cabin fever. I’ve been cooped up in the house all day long. I needed to get some fresh air and see the cherry blossoms. Unfortunately, cherry blossoms are about to fall. I try to fill my days with productive tasks. I’ve been working from home by texting or calling to substitute teachers how to go around with my pre-made worksheets, and responding to my students’ texts. Besides WFH, I read at least two books a day or look up materials for my lesson in order to make the most of self-isolation time. I’m enjoying reading the books piled on shelves due to a hectic schedule. Without the coronavirus infection, I would not have intended to learn and use expressions and vocabulary for COVID-19. Every cloud has a silver lining! My self-quarantine is going to be done this coming Sunday. All these events are unprecedented in my life and I will never forget this. I hope the situation improves and Korea flattens the curve. Most of all, I’m looking forward to getting back to normal as soon as possible.
