How did I travel when the COVID was on peak MAR 2020 & Travel Ban was Imposed for the International Flights / Domestic Flights?
While I intended to leave KSA to Bengaluru, INDIA on March 15, 2020, I was informed that due to COVID all the International flights imposed a Travel Ban on March 15, 2020. I was totally devastated and I had no option to keep myself (Physically & Mentally) strong but using precautionary measures guidelines (Social Distancing / washing on hands constantly / Mask / sanitizers ) and since then every day I was constantly in Touch with the Indian Embassy asking to register for flights to BENGALURU (Repatriation Flight). On the day of May 20, 2020 which is “unforgettable day” boarding the flight to Bengaluru.
I would like to thank the INDIAN GOVERNMENT in taking care of their citizens by repatriating stranded passengers by AIR INDIA also thanking the Airport Authorities / Staffs / Nurses / Doctors / Police Team / Helpers at the Airport in taking care of the passengers with all precaution measures.
International Flight Safety measures:
- You will see the forms in front of your seats which needs to be filled
- To avoid waiting in the queues @ BLR which is ( SELF DECLARATION & SELF REPORT Form) along with food and mask protection / sanitizers / social distancing 1 seat gap between your seats.
What were the procedures at Bengaluru Airport during COVID 19 international arrivals.
1. Once you are out of the flight they will hand over a form at the gate which is UNDERTAKING FORM & HOTEL FOR QUARANTINE which needs to be filled.
2. Chairs for the pax are arranged with Social Distancing to rest in the standing queues.
3. Fill in the forms accordingly, once the form is filled proceed towards screening testing.
4. Need to hand over SELF REPORT form to the counter & Quarantine stamp seal on your hand.
5. Be prompt in regards to your health symptoms like diabetic etc., at the medical counter.
6. Proceed to the immigration & hand the over another Self Report form (2nd copy) which will be stamped and later move towards your hand luggage scan and then collect your checking baggage.
7.After baggage collection before the exit you will see a PLACARD for Quarantine (Hotels for 5 Star & 3 & Budget category).
8. Choose in as per your budgets, they will lead you to Hotel category queues then submit UNDERTAKING QUARTINE FORM and you will be booked the hotel accordingly as per your choice.
9. In addition you may avail NEW SIMS which can be purchased beside the hotels counter and there is even currency exchange available but suggest to have some basic money exchanged.
10. Purchase the sim and to download the App AAROGYA SETU (Indian Government) and follow the instructions.& it’s quick !!!
11. The Hotel agents will call you and lead you to board the bus which costs RS 300 as I chose accordingly “KEY HOTEL” Whitfield for Quarantine.!!!
What do you do when you are in Quarantine & Medical ?
1. Once checked in the Hotel you’re quarantined in the room and you will not be able to go out of the Room/compound
2. First day you will be called for a round test for the throat and nose swap and these test will be conducted 2 rounds in a week.
3. Normal test like cold / fever would be tested everyday at the respected floor levels.
4. Ensure to carry for your 14 days Quarantine like dresses/Towels/Tooth Brush/ Paste Soaps etc., if you had to purchase a Tooth Brush which costs like Rs.100 (Based on the hotel — Key Hotel !!)
5. Carry ample of Hand Gloves/Masks etc., reason is to keep changing it often.
6. Carry Sanitizer keep using often in flight as well while you’re in Quarantine.
7. The Hotel which you have chosen at the Airport will provide 3 meals will be placed outside and once your done keep it back in the same place and they will clean it back.
8. While you stay at the hotel they will call on the number which you have registered on the app and you will receive notification of an OTP which has to be shared to the caller who will be holding the line and they provide you the time for the test which will be held in the same hotel.
9. We need to keep our rooms cleaned (self Cleaning)and there will be no cleaning service. You can order water like Bisleri at an additional cost Rs 10/- 500ml and likewise food there will not be much in varieties (limited) which is an additional cost apart from the 3 meals provided in the package.
Tips for Family with kids while on quarantine:
Families with kids I would strongly recommend to carry their favourite snacks they love and ensure to carry some entertainment for the kids to kill their time in the four walls of the room and avoid coming out for this QUARANTINE period.
When you have completed your Quarantine STAY and what is the final process of CHECK OUT from the Hotel ?
You know the last day to check out from the property which would be exciting Journey on the COVID time which is BIG TASK WITHOUT INFECTED.
- Doctors will announce your final Test (Swab) result.
- You will carry a document mentioning (Declaration) that your result is “Negative” after 7 days & Quarantine stamp on your hand will be for additional 7 Days Self Quarantine (Home Quarantine).
This Pandemic has shook the entire world and economy has disrupted the lives like no one anticipated. I believe that the fittest will win the battle during COVID 19 and it is very important for everyone to over come this Pandemic with confidence and hoping Life would Resume as before…..
