Well, that was unexpected

[meriad]

As I've posted before, my brothers eldest daughter Bianca and her husband and baby were due to emigrate from South Africa to The Netherlands tomorrow. Because of this new Covid Strain that is coming out of the area all flights from SA to Hollands are subject to very strict controls and only Dutch nationals and anyone on a long term visa (like they are) is still allowed to enter the country; but have to provide a negative Covid test. The family had their test done and today they got the results - little Elijah (just over a year old) and Bianca are both positive!!!! - Duncan is negative.

So all plans now delayed by two weeks and they're all self isolating at my brothers house. How this will affect Carissa now is also a big question - she was due to fly back to Germany on the 31st; but I assume she now also has to delay?

It's all such a mess, but thank goodness both Eli and Bianca are feeling OK and not showing any ill effects per se.

Sigh.......

[Kaz]

Oh crikey Ria, that's a real fly in the ointment for their plans, what a shame I hope both continue to feel well, and are in the third of those infected who get no symptoms xxx

Fingers crossed for Carissa too (((((x)))))

[Workingman]

It's al changing so fast now this new variant is out there. I do hope it all works out for everyone in your family, Ria, especially for a speedy recovery for Elijah and Bianca.

Is Carrisa negative, positive or just a known contact? The German rules might be different for each category.

[JanB]

Oh bluddy hell Ria, hope they make a speedy recovery, with no long term problems.

Hope all can be sorted soon xx

[meriad]

Is Carrisa negative, positive or just a known contact? The German rules might be different for each category.

Frank, at this point I'm assuming she is 'just' a known contact as they have spent the past few days together (Carissa arrived in SA on the 18th December) and Carissa didn't go for testing. As it is, just before Christmas Germany put a ban on travel from SA to Germany and as far as I know that is still in place; so not even sure how she would be able to get back? She definitely would need to have a Covid test prior to departure and then most likely have to self isolate for 2 weeks on her return - which in turn is another issue because if she doesn't work she gets basic pay only.

[Workingman]

It's tricky, isn't it, as seen with Ally? Definitely a time to be keeping an eye on the official websites for the most up to date info.

[meriad]

Just had another message from Liesel, my sister-in-law. Both she, my brother, Carissa (my other niece) and Liesels sister who was with them over Christmas all had a covid test done given Bianca and Elijah were positive and turns out Liesel is also positive but everyone else negative. Just goes to show how little this virus makes sense and why it's so hard to get it under control... there is just no rhyme or reason why only three of seven got it, and the others haven't.

Stay safe everyone x

[Workingman]

Yep, no rhyme no reason.

[Kaz]

Blimey Ria, it's certainly a weird one I hope everyone recovers soon xx