Journey Back Home: Traveling During A Pandemic
How’s like traveling to Japan during this Covid-19 period? How’s the new norm? We speak to Rie Yoshizaki, a Japanese holding work-visa (employment pass) in Singapore. Read on as she takes us through her journey back home and fro. In this 2-min read, she shares about her experience in Japan, $2,200 swab test with a 14-day hotel stay quarantine experience in Singapore.
Hi all! I am Rie and I choose to go back to Singapore as I had to go back to my hometown, Osaka, to attend my sister’s wedding (which has been postponed since February this year) - Despite knowing that i’ve to pay a sum of $2,200 while entering Singapore, I decided to book an air ticket to go back home since I really wanted to be there for her wedding!
My air ticket was around 600+ SGD for a one-way ticket to Osaka.
Changi Airport in 2020
It feels really weird being in the airport. Empty walkways, no chatters and happy laughters/voices, nothing like you’ve seen in the last couple of decades.
Most retail shops in the airport are still open — but with no shoppers in sight. There’s also only one staff on duty.
Onboarding Process
I took Singapore Airlines and the flight only has only around 50 passengers, there were ample space and empty seats around me too. The flight attendant was really thoughtful and I had a good sleep throughout the 6-hour flight.
We were each given a covid care kit which has a face mask, hand sanitiser and disinfectant surface wipe. Wearing a mask is mandatory throughout the 6 hour flight too!
Arrival in Japan
When i first arrived in Kansai airport, I was pretty surprised at the large number of Japanese at the airport - then i recalled that Japanese are allowed to travel domestically within the country. However, when I reached the international flight terminal, there was not a single soul at all. It’s great because immigration process was seamless and fast!
Upon arrival in Japan, I took a covid test. All I was required to do was to pass the officer my saliva sample and I had to wait for 30 minutes for the test report to be out in the airport. After leaving the airport, I could take public transport back home. There was no mandatory SHN rule in Japan, but we were encouraged to stay at home. Well, I diligently did for 7 days! It’s definitely less strict than Singapore as we were allowed to go and buy groceries or take public transport. I also did not receive any calls from the officer throughout by SHN.
*There’re no pictures because we were not allowed to take!
Journey Back To Singapore
Fast forward 2 weeks, I am back in Singapore now!
When i first arrived at Changi Airport, no one was there as it was really early in the morning, the airport staff gave me instructions, and they drove me to my quarantine hotel, Mandarin Orchard.
Rie’s catered meals from the hotel!
I’m currently serving my 14-day quarantine in Mandarin Orchard Hotel.
The room is comfortable, but we’re not allowed to open our windows — meet or interact with anyone. It definitely feels a little suffocating. I was given catered meals everyday from the hotel and it’s ok so far, but i’m honestly a bit sick of it! Mostly surviving on my snacks and instant ramen from Japan.
It’s my 8th day of quarantine now. I can’t wait for the quarantine and last swab test to be over!
