It might be that I made too many jokes about the new coronavirus, contemplating the paranoia in Europe from afar and not taking it seriously enough. Maybe it’s also because I repeated too many times that I didn’t want to leave South America yet. Either way, I’d finally gotten used to the idea of returning, only to be informed that my flight to Barcelona was cancelled due to sanitary measures…
Some article I read said (jokingly of course) that Chile is one of the best countries to stay in to avoid the virus. Well, if it weren’t for the social turmoils and protests, I might agree. Due to the current situation in the country though, you might understand why I had other worries than getting infected with the coronavirus. I did actually buy one of those surgical masks, after my dad insisted multiple times – ironically enough, at the women’s protest march (probably shouldn’t tell him that). Anyway, the virus has now reached Chile, so I am no longer “safe” here either.
Sorry friends, I now know less than ever when exactly I’ll be back – I swear this was not intended xD. Updates will follow.
P.S. According to health experts, washing your hands and not touching your face is way more effective than wearing a mask. And it prevents mask shortage for those who actually need them, mainly health care professionals and those already infected. (source: nbcnews)
UPDATES:
12.03 / 10h15 (Chilean time) : I managed to get a new flight! If everything goes well, I’ll be back in Europe on Saturday.
13.03 / 19h40 : At the airport. They cancelled my flight, again.
13.03 / 20h50 : I was lucky, they managed to change my flight after all. In two hours I will leave South America…
14.03 / 16h50 (Central European time) : Je suis à Paris. Exactly fourteen months after I left, I set foot in Europe once again.
15.03 / 00h40 : Llegué a la casa! After having some delicious homemade Zopf, I will finally sleep in my own bed again.