Life in a Covid-19 isolation and treatment centre is an experience no one would love to go through.
But this somewhat unpleasant choice does not rest entirely in the hands of individuals. Being on admission in a Covid-19 centre definitely comes along with restrictions because of how infectious the disease is.
For example, usual routines like going to work would cease. That’s not all; one is also hit with the reality of not receiving visits from family and friends during the period of admission.
That’s the situation of persons in the various isolation and treatment centres nationwide.
At the Intensive Care Unit of the Elwak Level 2 Isolation and Treatment Centre, I spotted vital signs monitors, ventilators among others.
Inside the ward, lies a middle-aged woman who is on a ventilator. This woman whom I call Ama Serwaa is hypertensive and the only patient receiving treatment there.
The medical team here told me she has been in this ward for a few days. I managed to get her to speak to me.
“I was praying that the will of God should come to pass, but lo and behold it was Covid-19. The doctor came with my husband to explain to me that it was positive,” Ama Serwaa narrating to me how news of her status got to her.
Family support is everything and that is exactly what she received from her husband after her status was disclosed to her.
“He encouraged me that it shall be well, he told me that I’ll be back home.”
According to her, these words spurred her on to survive the days ahead.
Days of being on admission at the facility means she would be without her family.
Even on her sick bed, she is concerned about her daughter, “My only problem is my little girl who is 12 years. She is now heading towards the adolescent age, this is the time she needs her mother,” she said in a sad tone.
The coming days would be crucial for Ama Serwaa’s recovery.
She would have to remain strong to get out of this facility fully recovered so she can reunite with her family again.