MANY families whose children and loved ones are in mandatory home quarantine have adopted extraordinary measures to properly follow guidelines to prevent the spread of Covid-19, writes the GDN's Reem Al Daaysi.

With the Health Ministry stressing legal ramifications against people who break home-quarantine, many have taken extra measures to ensure comfort and cleanliness of the rooms prepared for those in self-isolation.

A mobile app, called BeAware Bahrain, to track and monitor the status of those in quarantine and of cases in Bahrain has also been launched.

One Bahraini mother, whose daughter was in home quarantine after returning from the UK, explained how she disinfected the house prior and during her daughter’s return.

“We purchased a thermometer, medicine, gloves and masks as well as sanitisers and stocked her room up with snacks, drinks and disposable cutlery as well as a coffee machine and books,” said Rasha Mohammed Ali.

“We wanted the room to be fully equipped for her so that she wouldn’t leave at all for the entire 14 days and we would keep her meals outside her door and she would take the tray without interacting with us.

“We didn’t see her upon arrival as she went straight to her room and we have been communicating by video-call.

“When the home-isolation period was over we greeted her as if she had just come back from the UK and didn’t spend two weeks at home with us.”

Bahraini actress and filmmaker Dana Al Salem was in self-isolation following directives by the Health Ministry after coming in contact with a positive case at the gym.

The 27-year-old said she kept herself busy by watching movies and reading books while keeping up with her training online.

“As soon as I was told I put my mask and gloves on and went straight home and my friends headed to the supermarket and picked up items for me – I’m so grateful for that support,” she told the GDN.

“My family put the food for me outside the door and I would pick up the tray with gloves on and I listened to the doctors and instructions and avoided my family.”

She said self-isolation has been therapeutic as it allowed her time for reflection, urging people to follow the importance of adhering to the laws in place for the safety of the public.

“I felt like I was in a prison but a beautiful prison because it was a prison of my own design,” she added.

“Think of it like you’re a super hero trying to save the world because there’s a virus spreading and all you have to do is stay at home – it’s the least we can do for Bahrain and the world.”

Her sentiments were shared by 19-year-old Yousif Ebrahim, who returned from the UK and was kept in 14-day isolation, explaining that the entire experience was “boring and daunting at first”.

“Over time it became more of a routine and it was mundane, but I spent my time reading, watching TV shows, listening to music and playing video games,” he said.

“I highly appreciate the efforts that are being exerted by the Bahraini authorities, Covid-19 taskforce and doctors and workers.”

Guidelines for home quarantine and disinfection amid the spread of Covid-19 have been published by the Health Ministry on its website.