“My symptoms persisted and I got worried. My cousins suggested I get tested and rather
be safe knowing we don’t have it and, if we do, at least we were proactive to find out
early.”
He got tested in Johannesburg at the Lancet Auckland Laboratory on 17 March,
describing the test as a “daunting and debilitating experience”.
“I knew that due to the nature of the virus, I didn’t want to leave South Africa without
knowing my status, while experiencing some symptoms,” he said.
However, the day before, the university ordered all students to vacate the residence
within 72 hours. As an international student, he had no place to go but to come back
home.
Precautions
“I treated myself as if I had the virus already, so I wore gloves and a surgical mask to
ensure I don’t spread it further if I was positive.
“I was isolated in my room and had my own bathroom to use. My family had assigned
certain cutlery for me to use specifically and always left my food at the door. I had no
interaction with them,” he added.
On 23 March, he received his results.
“I could not believe that it was real. Later that afternoon, I was informed that I would be
taken to an isolation centre close to the Hosea Kutako International Airport.
“I was scared and extremely worried because it finally sunk in,” he said.
Isolation
At the facility, he was given a room as well as medicine and immune boosters. He said
the staff were friendly and welcoming.
“The immune boosters were the first thing I had every morning to ensure I got the right
amount of vitamins and I took a Vitamin C before sleeping every night,” he said.
Although he was anxious and homesick, Neidel said his time at the facility was “not
bad”. A therapist was on call to help isolated patients cope with the situation.
“My mental health played a big role in my recovery. Because of my fear and anxiety
peaking, I was making myself sick. The support and love from my family and friends
changed my attitude about everything and had me focused on the end goal, which was
recovery and getting home,” he said.
Further tests
In total, Neidel was tested three times.
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