#763
Hello from Day 5 of Stay Home Notice. Today I feel sufficiently rested and am a good third through my SHN. The first few days were spent allowing my body to rest after the incredibly stressful week. Prior to the week, I felt quite relieved that the situation in Singapore appeared to be settling and that thus far life in Australia and Perth was relatively unaffected by COVID-19. As the virus arrived on its shores, there was a very sharp spike in the number of cases (mostly unlinked) in the first 1-2 weeks. Very quickly, restaurants were closed to dine-in, supermarket shelves were emptied out and Curtin announced a tuition-free week. Back home, M was told that overseas leave was suspended till 31st December, pending review. I was bummed out about him not being able to see Perth but consoled myself with plans of returning home in end June. I had made up my mind that as long as the PG course continued, I would not return home. All that changed very quickly on Monday. Towards the end of anatomy lab, all 4 of our course coordinators and the head of school visited us in the lab, there faces solemn. They primed us that our practical sessions (9h a week) and labs that were previously given special consideration to continue were unlikely to be able to continue. That afternoon, we booked our flight home on Friday, after our Thursday practical exam. This flight was later cancelled on Wednesday night. I don't think I felt as much helpless ever as I did that night. Thankfully SIA came through and rescheduled us on a Saturday flight, giving us more time to pack and settle arrangements. Honestly am so grateful for Singapore's efficiency and reliability. Many of my course mates were not as lucky. Long story short, I've decided to withdraw from all units except one that I'll be continuing online while returning to work in 2 weeks time.
I'm thankful for God's guidance and mercies through this difficult time, that today I finally feel like my body's recovered from that fatigue / stress, for all the love and care received from friends and family, for all the good things I can look forward to during and following this SHN despite all that is happening in the world. Fingers crossed that this SHN continues to be a fruitful, restful time, that I don't start having cabin fever... or fall ill... Hoping that the world will get better soon and we remember the beautiful lessons of connection and love when this is all over.