Canadian student shares story on journey home from China and life under quarantine

A Quebec woman living under quarantine since getting back from China about a week ago, is thanking 8 Wing and Red Cross staff for their work in keeping everyone comfortable and in good spirits.

Myriam Larouche had been studying for her master’s degree in Wuhan and spoke to CJBQ’s Lorne Brooker Show Thursday morning about the journey so far and how things have gone since getting to Trenton.

You can hear the full in-depth interview below in which Larouche discusses life before the outbreak, how she found out about the coronavirus and the long process of eventually getting back to Canada.

She says once they arrived, she was quite pleased with the quality of accommodations at the Yukon Lodge.

She says the average day for quarantined Canadians is fairly mundane, so she tries to keep up with her studies and relax.

Larouche added that they are allowed outside, as long as they wear a mask and that nobody seems to be showing signs of the COVID-19 virus.

Myriam Larouche takes a selfie outside the Yukon Lodge at CFB Trenton, where she is staying under quarantine, after coming back from the centre of the coronavirus outbreak in Wuhan, China. (Photo: Submitted / Myriam Larouche)

She says while the accommodations at the Yukon Lodge have been comfortable, the food is good and they are being treated well, she’s definitely looking forward to getting home once the quarantine process is over.

As far as what that process looks like, Larouche says they are still waiting for more specifics, but they may be flown to some major centres like Toronto, Montreal or Ottawa and then have to find their own way home.

But she says that hasn’t been confirmed.

Larouche also thanked members of the greater Quinte community who have donated food, books, or activities for the 300 or so people living under quarantine at 8 Wing.

You can hear the full interview here:

Meanwhile, local health care officials say no information will be released about people under quarantine at CFB Trenton, who may be taken to hospital for treatment of medical issues, unless they are showing symptoms of the coronavirus.

Officials with Quinte Health Care and Hastings Prince Edward Public Health announced the policy on Thursday, in the interest of protecting patient privacy and as a way to limit any more worry about the virus spreading around the area.

Medical Officer of Health Dr. Piotr Oglaza says local hospitals and staff are more than qualified to treat patients who may come from the quarantine zone, while keeping themselves and the greater community safe from an outbreak.

Oglaza says in the case that one of those people under quarantine does test positive for COVID-19 they would make announcement at that time.