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.
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.
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!