In Self-Isolation Since 17 March, Here’s How My Brother & I Did it

A 21-day lockdown is tough, but hang on!

Juhi and Jugal Parmar.

(Photo: Arnica Kala/The Quint)

Video Editor: Kunal Mehra
Video Producer: Aastha Gulati

I landed in Pune on 16 March from Germany, where I have been finishing my PhD, amid the coronavirus pandemic. Not knowing how things would pan out in the coming few days, I decided it was best to come back home. Ever since I got back, I have self-quarantined and will do so for the stipulated 14 days (and more now, given the 21-day nationwide lockdown).

My brother Jugal, who is a Master’s student in Switzerland, returned a day prior and has isolated himself as well. We thought to share our experience so that it is helpful to everyone in lockdown and so everyone can stay healthy and sane during this time period.

None of us were prepared on how to behave during this experience. From the minute I took my luggage out of the cab and my father wanting to but stopping himself from carrying my bags up, or even just till the elevator, it was all very strange. I couldn’t even hug my parents and I was seeing them after four months.

It was just a lot of figuring things out as we went along. Initially, Jugal and I were sitting on the floor after very long to do all of our meals. We weren’t touching our parents, they used to serve us food. We’d then disinfect and clean ourselves.

We also had different cutlery that we were washing in our respective bathrooms. We each had separate trash bags that we’d take out once in a few days to burn in the balcony.

Having a set routine and structure really helped Jugal and I get through home-quarantine.

Juhi’s room.(Photo Courtesy: Juhi Parmar)

For example, getting out of bed by 9 am, showering and really dressing up made me feel good about myself and helped me take things a little more seriously. Otherwise, I realised my attitude towards work was really casual.

I also demarcated areas in my room because it helped me get into a different mind-zone. My bed was the ‘chill zone’, the table with my laptop the ‘work zone’ and so on.

Similarly, Jugal has an exercise routine:

“I have a balcony of my own where I can step out every now and then to get some fresh air. It has a nice view, it helps me and keeps me from going insane. if I do get up in the morning, I come out here and do some exercises on the floor.”

Jugal’s room.(Photo Courtesy: Juhi Parmar)

He also pays special attention to making his bed every morning.

“Please make your bed! You’re going to spend 14 to 21 days here. Living in a mess is not nice.”

Jugal

When all else fails – music helps quite a bit!

The balcony is used for a change in scenery.(Photo Courtesy: Juhi Parmar)

Now on to our 12th day of home-quarantine and several more under lockdown, here are our main takeaways –

1. Disinfect everything – door knobs, switches, packets that you’re buying from outside. Wash your hands before very meal and before you go out.
2. Don’t share plates during this time, don’t share spoons, don’t
   share food. Put it out in a different utensil or thaali, whatever you use.
3. Rediscover a hobby.
4. Call your friends and family, communication and connection really helps, even if virtual.
5. Try and cut down on how often you check numbers of active cases.

Twenty-one days is probably a long time, but you will survive. Happy quarantine!

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