A mother returning to Australia has revealed how she has to quarantine without alcohol, her laptop or a portable coffee maker.
The unnamed woman, thought to currently be based in the UK, took to Mumsnet to explain the ‘harsh’ restrictions that will placed on her when isolating upon her arrival in the country where she will be sent to a facility in Howard Springs, Darwin.
She explained that the government has cut the number of quarantine facilities available in cities in the Northern Territories, and is sending travellers to hostels where oil workers used to stay at a cost of $2,500 for one adult.
While quarantining in the Northern Territory for two weeks, she won’t be allowed alcohol deliveries – which are allowed at hotels – because of strict rules in the area banning consumption.
Other things banned include ‘care parcels, restaurant deliveries or electrical items’, and she claimed this means she won’t be able her laptop for entertainment, although commenters disputed this interpretation of the rules.
A mother returning to Australia has revealed how she has to quarantine without alcohol, her laptop or a portable coffee maker. Pictured, the parent shared an example of the type of room she’d be staying in
The parent, thought to currently be based in the UK, took to Mumsnet (pictured) to explain the ‘harsh’ restrictions that will placed on her when isolating upon her arrival in the country
Other users were shocked by the restrictions at the at the accommodation, which is in Howard Springs, Darwin, saying they ‘couldn’t get over how awful and harsh’ the rules were.
Admitting she’s concerned for her mental health, some said they would consider postponing the trip if they had to endure such harsh restrictions.
Taking to the UK parenting site, the anonymous mother wrote: ‘I am returning to Australia and will have to quarantine for two weeks.
‘As the government cut the number of quarantine places in the cities, they are beginning to house people in old construction worker hostels.
‘I shall be quarantining in the Northern Territory. These are the rules: No alcohol, no care parcels, no restaurant deliveries, no electrical items.’
The parent continued: ‘I am very worried about the effect of the isolation on my mental health, I am worried about the food as I won’t be able to eat most of it.
‘I consoled myself with the fact that at least I could look forward to a glass of wine in the evening. But no. Alcohol is banned in certain areas of the Northern Territory including this one.
‘ I also planned to take my portable Nespresso machine but that’s not allowed. So no coffee. I planned to use my laptop to catch up on some work, but that’s not allowed either.’
The concerned parent finished her post by asking: ‘Am I being unreasonable to worry how I will cope?’
Others were quick to reply to the text, admitting they found the restrictions ‘harsh’ and would even consider postponing the trip if it was them.
‘Oh god, that’s really awful. No coffee either?! I’d weep. You might as well be in prison,’ one person commented.
Reaction: Other parents were shocked by the restrictions, saying they ‘couldn’t get over how awful and harsh’ the rules were.
A second wrote: ‘That’s awful. I honestly don’t think I could do that. Can you postpone your journey back?’
Another suggested: ‘You’re not allowed your laptop?? That’s bizarre. Are you allowed your phone? A tablet? Books? Yoga mat/resistance band? Crochet? Make the Houses of Parliament out of matchsticks.’
A fourth person questioned: ‘Why on Earth can’t you have a laptop? That does seem over the top.’
Source:
