This article is translated from a piece by Tribes by HHWT member, Betary NS. You can find the original article written in Bahasa Indonesia here.
Disclaimer: The following information was written based on the writer's experience while studying in South Korea earlier this year. She is currently living away from South Korea and doing online classes.
Credit: Betary NS
Living away from my family to study in South Korea is tough, especially during this pandemic.
South Korea is still enforcing a strict heath protocol, including wearing masks while we are outside. This regulation has no exception, even if you just want a quick stop at the convenience store.
Besides that, any school activities are closed and replaced with online learning from home. All of this was done to stop the spread of the virus.
Credit: Betary NS
When I was writing this article, the case number in South Korea was increasing. This led to more restrictions by the local authorities, including limiting group activities to only 4 people and a curfew where all shops and restaurants must be closed at 8PM.
Recently, there are only a few tourists in South Korea. Everyone who comes to South Korea must undergo a mandatory quarantine for 14 days upon their arrival. However, the government plans to shorten the quarantine period to 5 days for those who have already been vaccinated.
Credit: Betary NS
The Indonesian Embassy in South Korea also reminds us to stay at home as much as possible. We are also not recommended to go outside for non-emergency matters and to avoid the crowd.
Looking at the case number in South Korea, I rarely went outside other than for school purposes and grocery shopping.
I also always have a hand sanitizer in my purse wherever I go. As an extra layer of protection, I always wash my clothes whenever I get home. I never forget to wear a mask at all times when I go outside.
As if hand sanitizers and masks weren't enough, I get my house sterilized by turning on an anti-virus diffuser. I also take a sufficient dose of Vitamin C for my immunity.
Credit: Betary NS
To support my physical health, I pay attention to my social needs. One of the things I do is staying connected with my friends and family. Even though we cannot meet each other right now, I know that we're only one Zoom call away from each other.