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Pregnant UAE Woman Returns Safely From USA Amidst Covid 19 Chaos

by Vaishnavi Venkataraman
Pregnant UAE Woman Returns Safely From USA Amidst Covid 19 Chaos

When the dreaded pandemic broke open in the UAE, thousands of residents were stranded outside of the country. But, six months pregnant Hannah O’ Reilly needed approval to head back to the UAE real fast. Hannah works as a supply teacher at a Dubai-based school and was stranded in the USA. Hannah landed in the USA on 12 March and all was well until UAE suspended flights on 18 March.

Stressed, and devastated, Hannah made several attempts to head back to the UAE, but nothing materialized. She was later informed that she could be sent back home under emergency basis. Following this, she got a call from the UAE Embassy on 25 March, and was asked to drive down to a hotel in Washington, where other UAE-bound travelers were being housed. Hannah was permitted to fly on an Etihad flight back to Abu Dhabi. Hannah finally landed in Abu Dhabi on 29 March.

Upon arrival, Hannah and all the other passengers underwent swab test before they were taken to an Abu Dhabi hotel to be quarantined for the next 14 days.

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(1) We landed in Abu Dhabi and they took our temp on the plane (2) we exited in an organized fashion with crowd control, must wear masks which were distributed (3) we went to get our nasal swabs done, water is being handed out and wheelchairs if needed, no confusion at all lots of clear information being given, people needing assistance brought to a different area with chairs – excellent and patient medical staff risking it all for us! (4) through immigration, a little different than usual but clear and organized (5) pick up baggage with people there to help (6) loaded onto buses with many staff there directing us and keeping us calm (7) straight to hotel Total time = 2 hours I can’t believe they have set up this incredible system in such a short time. As far as I could tell this was everyone’s experience on the plane. We all went together to the same hotel, Raddison Blu on Yas Island Watch my ‘evacuation’ stories above to see what it’s like and know how to prepare

A post shared by Hannah O’Reilly (@queenquarantineuae) on

All of her items, excluding her phone was taken to be disinfected. Hannah also met with the paramedics to check on her and her baby.

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I will be quarantined for 14 days, government provided. All covid19 related care for everyone in the UAE is free. Everyone who came in on my flight, as far as I can tell, is with me at Raddison Blu Hotel on Yas Island in Abu Dhabi. We will be here for 14 days “all-inclusive” with three meals a day and laundry, regardless of our nasal swab results that we will receive in a few days. There’s a 24/7 call center if we need anything and I’ve even already met with a doctor. This is to keep us and our loved ones safe. Regardless I will be transported to my delivery hospital in a few days to do any tests and check that baby is okay. The staff here is EXCELLENT and doing an amazing job. Some have felt bad for me about this and I so appreciate everyone looking out for me, but even if it were optional I would do it. I’ve been in a NYC suburb and I have family who are essential employees. I feel fine but what if I’m not ?‍♀️ Plus… I’ve never been so exhausted in my life. Everything hurts. I have ulcers in my mouth and hives on my arms from the stress. I can constantly hear my pulse in my ears. I still can’t sleep and I’m now paranoid constantly wanting the baby to kick so I know she’s okay… let’s be honest, some quiet time alone in a gorgeous hotel with a balcony over the ocean might be exactly what I need right now ? Watch my ‘quarantine’ stories above to see what it’s like and learn how to prepare and what to expect

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The brave woman now has her own Instagram page, where she shares stories of others who are stuck outside of their home countries. More power to you, Hannah!

Check out her Instagram page here!