#NextStopZero: UAE resident narrates the ordeal of being a Covid-19 patient

Sara was aware of the seriousness of the virus and had taken all precautions.

The Covid-19 pandemic has affected all of us in one way or another. Some of us are mourning the loss of a loved one, while others are trying to make ends meet after losing their jobs or taking a pay cut. The UAE is gradually restoring normalcy even as it reminds residents that the threat is far from over. Through this two-week series, Khaleej Times will feature residents who have endured a loss due to the virus, to remind you that the alarming surge in daily cases is more than just a number. #NextStopZero is a rallying call to get the community to adopt safe practices so as to bring down the infection rate.
Forty-three-year-old mother of two and UAE resident, Sara Al Amin is glad to put her Covid-positive days behind and carry on with life on a new page. She calls her experience "tough and scary" and tells that she discovered real relationships during the time.
Sara was aware of the seriousness of the virus and had taken all precautions. Her husband Dr Salah was a medical frontliner who moved to a hotel near Covid-19 quarantine centre. "I was staying at home with my two daughters Ragad and Rahaf and my 80-year-old father. We never left the house during the restriction period. We got all our needs delivered, including the medicines for my diabetic father. My husband never visited us during the period and we connected over Zoom video calls," she said.
After the reopening and relaxation of rules, Sara went out to the markets and also drove around. "A few days later, I developed a slight fever and was unable to taste or smell. I informed my husband and he advised me to rush for a screening following strict measures. I wore masks, gloves and kept sanitising my hands every two minutes. I was scared and worried about the pain I might have to endure if I was tested positive. Anxiety crept as I kept thinking about my daughters' future. I thought I was dying. I gave the swab and went home locked up in my room," she reminisced.
Sara called her brother to take their father away until the result came out. "I also had my daughter clean and sterilise each spot in my home. I kept praying non-stop for two days before the result appeared.
"On the third day, I received a call from the screening centre informing me that the result is positive and asked me not to leave the room. A team came home to hand me over a monitoring bracelet to be detected by the police in case I move out from Isolation. They warned me not to be in physical contact with anyone and asked a family member to leave food at the door. I was asked to continuously sterilise my room and the washroom I was using. I was more worried about my aged father and my kids," remembered Sara.
"At the beginning of the isolation period, I was scared my health would deteriorate, but my symptoms were mild, with a slight fever, cough and a minor headache. After a while, I gained courage and got rid of the fear. I can't thank my loved ones enough, especially my best friend Ghada, who comforted me through video calls."
Sara completed the quarantine period of 15 days but was already feeling fine from day 12. "I recovered and came out of my room filled with positivity. I also decided to enhance my relationship with the Almighty who heard my prayers and helped me restart life with hope and optimism."
She is a firm believer and advises not to panic if one is tested positive for the virus. "People must follow all precaution measures. If you get the infection, isolate yourself and implement the protocols. Be strong and hold on to prayers," she said.
afkarali@khaleejtimes.com