To keep my sanity intact, I want to progress my writings about this whole “going home” thing. Today is my 7th day of my quarantined life in GenSan, at the isolation facility and not going outside at all. While in isolation, the only thing I really noticed was how quarantined life here means more time to eat. Aside from working remotely, I got nothing here to do at all – no cats to take care of and no books (I prefer hardcopies than e-books) to read. All I have is unlimited supply of foods – which is not really a good thing! So, today, I would like to tell to you guys about this place I am currently in. You might as well get some ideas of what is like to be quarantined just in case you will be returning to GenSan soon.
 |
| Location: Gold Inn, 9500 Arradaza St, General Santos City |
Read Related Posts:
Before you enter the city…
It’s important to understand that entering the city is not as easy as it was. Since the pandemic, the city is imposing rules to all the locally-stranded individuals (LSI) and overseas Filipino workers (OFW) entering the city. That includes a mandatory quarantine.
 |
| Source: Facebook of LGU Gensan |
Last July 2020, in the wake of the rising cases of local transmission of the COVID-19, the LGU of Gensan extended the quarantine period for LSI’s and OFW’s to 21 days. This is on top of the requirement of negative swab test result with 72-hr validity. But, just recently, they reduced it back to 14 days. This is the number we have to observe.
Quarantine Protocol by LGU Gensan
Below is the quarantine protocol imposed by LGU Gensan.
- Upon arrival, we are required by the LGU Gensan to undergo quarantine for at least 7 days in an isolation facility. In my case, I will be staying in the facility from Saturday to Monday (9 days) the next week as advised by the health worker or monitoring officer.
- After the said period in the isolation facility, we will be subjected to antigen testing (swab testing). If we would come out negative and have not manifested any symptom, we may be allowed to continue strict quarantine at home for another 7 days. If we would come out positive, we will be admitted to a designated facility.
Hopefully, all of us who went home from Cebu will come out negative on Monday next week.
Quarantined Life in GenSan
It was April this year when Manny Pacquiao urged the hotel and inn owners to lend their establishments as quarantine facilities of the local government. One of these establishments is Gold Inn in GenSan, and this is where we are currently isolated.
Right after we were cleared at GenSan airport, we were brought here via bus by the government. All expenses including meals three times a day are shouldered by the government while we are in the isolation facility. The mandatory antigen testing after our stay here will also be covered. Thanks to LGU Gensan. All we really need to do is to follow its strict protocol for LSI’s.
 |
| They provide one room for one person. However, it is also allowed to have more than one person in one room if you are with your family members with you. |
 |
 |
| This is my room – clean and spacious. Aircon is enough to cool it for its size. There’s cable TV, a table in the corner, and that big sized bed! |
 |  |
 |
| I set-up my work station outside of the room because of very poor internet connection inside. Even when you have your own mobile data or pocket wifi, the signal inside the room is very weak due to concrete walls blocking the entry. This is my major concern while in here – the internet connection. Even when already outisde, connection is still intermittent – never consistent at all. |
Beyond Blessed
Despite all these processes and protocols, I am still grateful to LGU Gensan for allowing us to go home this holiday season to be with our families. I believe this whole situation is new to everyone. No one really knows how to properly face it but I’m happy that we, including the LGU, are doing the best we can. For this, I am grateful and blessed. I just hope that everything will turn out good at the end of this – and that I can control my eating habits while in isolation.
Cha of Little Misadvencha is a Filipino Civil Engineer, researcher and a fur mom. She came from General Santos City and finds that everything in life teaches her a lesson. She is inspired to write about and out of her experiences, but later found out that it was her experiences that actually inspire her.
Sounds like quite the adventure. I know of people who were stranded in places around the world. This looks inviting.
I can’t believe covid has effected this world like this. Wow this pandemic is effecting how we move about in so many ways.
It sounds so difficult but I’m glad you are fine! You are indeed blessed!
Very hard to be in quarantine before returning home. I love that you are full of zeal and positive in attitude. Internet is a concern I understand and we are so dependent on it. Please stay safe and take care
May I ask if the LGU provide and pays for your quarantine, or all expenses on LSI?
Glad that things went well, and now you finished the quarantine. Stay safe always!
It’s definitely hard for all of us but I like your positive attitude! 🙂 It won’t last forever!
I would be worried about the internet as well, lol. Thank you for sharing your experience. I hope we get the vaccine soon!
It’s a pain to have to take all those precautions, but I LOVE that they have them. Safety first!
Hi Cha, I understand your quarantine pain. I also went through it when I got back from holiday in Greece to my country Serbia.
It is something we simply must endure because we don’t want to unknowingly spread the virus everywhere and especially within our family.
That does sound really rough but I’m glad you are keeping such a positive attitude about it. That is kind of cool that you had unlimited food!