Thank you for your long and detailed description of your journey, @riverflows. Reading it was another case of being fully captivated, mostly since I also just returned from my inadvertent quarantine spot on the Mexican coast to the capital. Comparing your flight (and the compulsory two weeks at the airport hotel) to mine really shows how serious the situation is NOT!
Here in Mexico City about half the people on the street wear masks, many of them even a visor, but you rarely see gloves. The other half goes about like normal, no protection, hanging out in groups, etc. The two groups don't seem to mind each other (except for it makes the entire effort ineffective).
The journey was a bit crazy, though: Normally I would have taken a bus, but had to opt for a flight as they're still not running. It was surprisingly cheap, but I had to pay almost the same amount just to get to the airport, as I had to take a taxi. On the way we were stopped by the police, who said I could pass, but my driver couldn't (someone explain me the reasoning here). So I had to get another taxi. At the airport I could go through check-in, ID control, the metal detector and the whole spiel without taking off my mask, my sunglasses or my hat, though they made me take off my boots because of the steel toes. The plane was about as fully packed with passengers as before covid, and once on board many people removed their masks. Finally, at arrival, I had to walk out of the airport area, as the only vehicles permitted were cops and special airport taxis.
Comparing all these different approaches and conflicting rules, it really seems like the virus itself is hardly something to worry about. Instead, it's how every institution and organization reacts to it that causes this whole mess. May it be over soon! And for you guys, just hang in there, you're doing great. Not much longer, and you'll be able to enjoy the sunshine and fresh air in your own home. :-)
Thanks for the well wishes - I'm glad me and Jamie are together to keep each other sane.
That sounds like a debacle. How ridiculous you had to keep on your sunnies etc going through security! It's a surreal situation. So many conflicting rules and regulations that don't make sense. England's a mess too - they don't have a clue what they're doing.
The only cases in Australia now come in via planes, so I can see why they are doing it. It's tough on the psyche though - and they need to be consistant about rules. Some hotels allow alcohol, some don't. Some have good food, some have awful food. Some allow walks, some don't.
thank god I get a 15 minute walk in fresh air today on the rooftop (I think). With mask and gloves. Ugh.
It could be worse - I have wifi, a great room, and my best mate with me, as well as good food and the knowledge I'll be out in less than 2 weeks. xx