Shrenu Parikh the popular Ishqbaaz actor who was last seen in Sarvagunn Sampanna recently travelled back from the USA amidst the outbreak of Coronavirus in the country. Shrenu was away for a month or so and wanted to get back into the country before restrictions were laid at the boundaries.
However, all through her travel back to the country, Shrenu like a very responsible human being took all the precautions of sanitizing needed to keep herself in good health.
And on her return, with the airport authorities identifying that Shrenu came from the USA, gave her a 14-day self-quarantine for her, which she has accepted in good stead.
Says Shrenu, “I have always known about the situation in India with regards to Coronavirus. And of course, I also know what one should do when put to such self-quarantine. The airport authorities too were very organized in their approach. Since I got back from Chicago in America, where there were not many cases, they took my temperature and asked me to put myself to a home quarantine till 28 March. They have given us helpline numbers, in case we show up some symptoms later. They have taken my address and phone number, and keep coming for random checks to look at my health.”
Shrenu who is equally concerned about her health states, “I am at home from the time I landed last Sunday. I am certainly worried about my health. Even during my flight, I took extreme precautions. I took special care of myself. I deliberately chose not to go to Baroda, to my parents’ house, to keep them away from any infection, if at all I have anything.”
Shrenu has had the good as well as bad experiences at the wake of this outspread of Coronavirus. And she expresses her concern without mincing words. “With the threat of Coronavirus all around us, all we need is a bit of compassion for each other. Do not jump into conclusions if someone has travelled. It does not mean that the person has acted irresponsibly. One should not pressurize a person so much that he/she is scared to accept it. And that’s exactly what happened in my society right now.”
Shrenu who is at her house from last Sunday has been questioned by her Flat Society Committee on her travel and has been pushed to take the needed tests. “My flat members reported to the BMC about my travel and wanted me to get tested. I co-operated with them, but the point here is that BMC is busy handling people with symptoms. When BMC called me and asked me whether I am symptomatic, I told them that I am not. How will I spread infection? I have this stamp on my hand, where will I run to? If something happens to me, it will happen in my house, right?”
“I have not done anything wrong. I have just travelled. And I am staying in my house, I am not partying, not going out. The stigma and taboo about Coronavirus for travellers are really scary. I feel that people should educate themselves. Coronavirus is not a stigma, but it is a battle for life. Others outside cannot be affected in any way without coming in contact,” she adds.
“Having said that, BMC people are very nice. They are keeping a check on me; a doctor comes and checks, gives a set of instructions. You only get to do the needed test if you have symptoms. So I have not gone through any test as I have no symptoms. Yes, I have got my stamping done, and I cannot go to my house in Baroda before 8 days. I have not stepped into the lift of my house for the last week.”
“Yes, I am stuck in Mumbai for another 8 days. I have finished 7 days of quarantine. I will spend a few more days of lone time, and all will be fine. After 28 March, I will be allowed to travel to Baroda to my parents’ place. They might call me again and check me out. Hopefully, all will be well.”
“On a closing note, I request everyone to co-operate if you have travelled and be careful and in-home isolation, and panicking will only make everything worse.”
You are indeed brave, Shrenu!! Wish you get back home very soon!!