As thousands of travellers contact airlines to see if their flights are cancelled, if they should be, or if they should cancel their air travel altogether, I found myself amongst the troves of travellers just trying to get back home to loved ones amidst an international health scare.
Days after arriving in Bali for a two-month remote working trip, news hit about the outbreak of coronavirus in Wuhan. Then, it started to spread. I contacted my boyfriend, who was a few continents and more than a days-long flight away. We weighed the options, wondering if I needed to get back home immediately or if it would be fine. Then, American Airlines began asking travellers to change affected flights.
I opted to end my trip ten days early and get myself back to the United States, at least a bit closer to where we live in Aruba. But, now, as the United States and other countries begin to implement travel bans, we’re wondering if I’ll even make it to the island next week. And, we’re not the only couple affected by the coronavirus.
Numerous other travellers and study abroad students are just trying to make it back to their loved ones in the chance that things get worse than they already are. It’s even affected celebrities. But, that’s just love in the time of coronavirus.
Tom Hanks & Rita Wilson Test Positive For Coronavirus
Does there exist a cuter Hollywood couple than Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson? Don’t even answer that. That answer’s no. They’re the epitome of cuteness. Hanks constantly dotes on his wife of 22 years and even stood by her side when she was diagnosed with cancer. The two have been through a lot, including, now, testing positive for coronavirus.
Despite there currently only being about 120 confirmed cases of coronavirus in Australia, Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson seem to have hit a bit of bad luck and contracted the virus this past week. Hanks posted an update on his official Instagram account stating:
“We felt a bit tired like we had colds, and some body aches. Rita had some body aches. Rita had some chills that came and went. Slight fevers too. To play things right, as is needed in the world right now, we were tested for the Coronavirus and were found to be positive. Well, now. What to do next? The Medical Officials have protocols that must be followed. We Hanks’ will be tested, observed, and isolated for as long as public health and safety requires. Not much more to it than a one-day-at-a-time approach, no?”
The two are currently in quarantine together in an Australian hospital. And, listen, if you’re going to get coronavirus while travelling abroad, at least it’s with the one you love the most.
Elderly Couple Meets Through Quarantine Window
CNN reported about an elderly couple communicating through the glass window at a nursing home in Washington state. Dorothy Campbell, 88, visiter her 89-year-old husband Gene as he’s currently still in quarantine at the care facility.
The couple, separated by nothing but a thin slice of glass, have been married for more than 60 years. The Life Care Center of Kirkland has been a focal point of the coronavirus outbreak in the United States with five reported deaths at the facility alone.
Dorothy visited Gene accompanied by her son, who led her up to her husband’s window so they could visit and exchange glances. She was seen holding her hand up to the window, proving that love in the time of coronavirus has no boundaries nor age limits.
And, the Campbell’s aren’t the only couple at the Life Care Center experiencing emotional turmoil after separation due to quarantine. Other married couples are separated for quarantine. And, family members have complained of poor communication from the staff inside the care centre.
Dating Apps Issue Warning About Public Meetings
For individuals who have been quarantined, self-imposed or otherwise, they’re turning towards dating apps to fend off the loneliness. You know, the kind that comes after day five of staring at nothing but your apartment ceiling.
Everyone’s struggling with cabin fever and, hey, sending a few flirty emojis back and forth with a cute stranger can help. Buzzfeed even interviewed one Seattle resident who’s been told to work from home for the rest of the month.
“Turning down invitations for drinks and dinner and just staying holed up in my apartment and sexting is about the extent of my love life now,” she said. And, while that’s certainly a nice distraction, even dating apps are issuing warnings about social contact.
“Your well-being is our #1 priority,” the warning says. “Tinder is a great place to meet new people. While we want you to continue to have fun, protecting yourself from the Coronavirus is more important.” They then went on to give tips. This included washing your hands, carrying hand sanitizer and maintaining social distance.
So much for romance, eh? But, that’s love in the time of coronavirus. What do you thin? Would you risk it all just for the chance to meet up with the potential love of your life?