What’s it like in self-quarantine?

So what’s it like to be in self-quarantine for 14 days, thanks to possible exposure to coronavirus, known as COVID-19?

The Snyder family of Grant—Steve, Michelle, Haley and Eric—know firsthand. 

They’re anxious for Saturday to arrive. That’s when they can end their two-week self-imposed quarantine. 

That’s assuming none of them show symptoms of the virus before then. 

During her spring break from Chadron State College, Haley went skiing at Copper Mountain in Colorado. 

Turns out, Haley went right into one of Colorado’s “hotspots” for COVID-19.

Chadron State contacted her and advised her of the hotspot exposure. Based on information from the Sandhills Health Department, self-quarantine was recommended.

Haley’s mom, Michelle, said both the Sandhills and Southwest Nebraska Health Departments recommended Haley confine herself strictly to her bedroom during the quarantine. 

The purpose was to limit exposure to other family members. Michelle said by that time, they’d been around her plenty so they’d definitely been exposed if she was a carrier, so the bedroom confinement gave way to the house.

Passing the time

Michelle said they’ve played a lot of games, played the Playstation and the Wii and watched TV. “You go stir crazy after awhile. You can only watch so much TV,” she said.

They have been in the yard some and gone out in the country to walk their dog, ensuring no one else is around who could be exposed. 

They take their temperatures twice a day, which is reported.

Michelle said the community has been great. People have brought over food and Hatch’s and the Grant Pharmacy have made deliveries to their door. 

While these are considered essential businesses, they have shut down walk-in traffic. 

Both Michelle and Steve are teachers at Perkins County Elementary. Steve teaches history to grades 3-4 and Michelle teaches K-6 art and K-12 ELL.

Due to the quarantine, they have not been able to go to the school to prepare education packets to send home to students. 

She said other teachers have pitched in to help prepare packets, but noted it’s difficult over the phone to explain what needs to go in the packets.

That’s another reason why they are looking forward to Saturday.