Following the announcement of a new case of Coronavirus in Seychelles, the country was placed in lockdown. We all thought the country famous for its beaches and Seychelles honeymoon resorts would have gotten away with no more cases because the borders had been closed for a while. When a lockdown was declared for April 9th, it came as no surprise. It cannot be denied that the fact that there would be no allowance for exercise came as a huge shock to us.
We had been making it a point to go to the beach every day up to this point. We knew we had to squeeze in one more visit to the beach the day before lockdown. We headed to Anse Lazio to take advantage of the last rays of sunlight and to stay in one of the best places to stay in Seychelles.
SPREADING IN COMMUNITY
Unfortunately, the information of the virus's unfortunate victim was disclosed. He was soon known throughout the country for who he was and where he had gone. He had gone to the hospital because he was feeling ill, has been sent home, and it wasn't until he returned that he was examined and diagnosed with Coronavirus.
He had been out and about in the period between the two hospital appointments, so we were all sure that we would be hearing more and more cases in the near future. That didn't happen for some reason. We would check for updates every day, expecting to hear anything, but it never occurred. The Department of Health had conducted extensive tracing and testing of contacts.
ON AN ISLAND WITH NO CASES, THERE IS A LOCKDOWN
It was a little surreal on Praslin because there aren't any cases on the island but people were still confined to their homes. Considering the high volume of traffic that exists between the islands, it was understandable, but it was still difficult, particularly for the children. Our regular outings to the beach and participating in the best resort activities in Seychelles were sorely missed.
It was difficult not to be able to get out for exercise. However, it did motivate me to return to Yoga, which has been beneficial.
Everyone was mostly relieved to learn that the lockdown will be lifted before the May 1st public holiday weekend. Regrettably, the authorities prolonged the lockdown throughout the following weekend.
AN INTRODUCTION TO THE BRAND NEW NORMAL
There are no more cases by the last weekend of April, which was wonderful. There were no fatalities, and all of the patients are doing well. As a result, on the 4th of May, the lockdown was removed! The President briefed the country on how life will be once the lockdown was lifted over the weekend. And we believe the phrase being used is "lockdown exit strategy" (isn't it strange how many new phrases and terms have sprung up as a result of this!?)
Here are a few examples:
Non-Seychellois residents who leave the nation will be barred from returning for three months.
Anybody who enters the nation would be subjected to quarantine.
Schools and businesses will reopen in stages.
There will be no public gatherings of more than four individuals, which would include beach outings and festivities.
Zero house gatherings (family meals, etc.)...this is a major one for us because this is how we mingle!
For all of us, the thought of school reopening was thrilling! However, this would require significant adjustments as well.
TAKING A BACK AND FORWARD VIEW
Therefore as result, the lockdown has ended, which is fantastic! However, we are coming to understand that our summer plans will most likely be canceled. We understand that things could be a lot worse, but we are quite fortunate.
Seychelles, as a country, appears to be in a very good spot right now. In anticipation of fresh cases, which will almost certainly arise once the borders re-open, we have time to prepare and become accustomed to physical separation.
For the moment while we're adjusting to our new normal all while hoping that Summer will not be completely canceled! Most of all, we don't want the borders to open up too quickly everywhere and expose anybody to this dreadful illness. The jumbled and frequently contradictory emotions that have plagued us over the last four months are insane.
While on lockdown, we are grateful for the time we were able to spend together. It was difficult not to be able to get out on some days, but what a blessing it was to be able to be together at home and protected. This is unquestionably a significant economic setback for Seychelles. We sincerely hope it is able to bounce back from this because it is so reliant on tourists.
Physically Distant yet Connected
Guests at Story Seychelles Hotel, Seychelles' premier resort, can convey their requests immediately through their phones via our WhatsApp messenger service, without the use of the hotel's phones. Hotel service, room amenities, and laundry can all be packaged and delivered to the guest's door upon request.
After guests have left, the Seychelles villas with a private pool are thoroughly cleaned and sanitized. Before a new check-in, departure rooms are left unoccupied for 24 hours. All linen, including bed linen and towels, is sanitized and wrapped according to Seychelles Health Department rules. These are just some of the changes implemented in Story Seychelles and other hotels on the island.
Summary
That has been our experience with the worldwide shutdown, notably in Seychelles. Continue to follow and read our blogs for more information about living and traveling in Seychelles.