Quarantine on 26th floor of Sydney Hilton tough, but somebody’s gotta do it

Campbelltown resident Ron Kydd confesses he started to worry a little bit when on landing in Sydney on Sunday from the US he was told by Australian Border Force personnel he would have to go into quarantine for 14 days.

“Well, they said we would be taken to a suitable facility and I started thinking, well, maybe they mean a place like the Villawood detention centre,’’ the 77 year old told the South West Voice during an interview over the phone.

He’s got no complaints now – indeed Mr Kydd has nothing but praise for all of the officials he had to deal with when he arrived – including NSW police and the health department and Australian Defence Force.

“Here I am in a room on the 26^th floor of the Sydney Hilton, what can I say,’’ Mr Kydd said.

“There’s a view of the Sydney town hall, the food is reasonable and it’s for just 14 days.

“I can’t go out so I will just do my walking in the room.’’

Mr Kydd says it’s understandable some people are resentful about being forced to go into quarantine for 14 days before going to their homes and families.

“They have just travelled great distances to get home, they’re tired and emotional, so you can understand why some people are venting their frustration at the government.

“I don’t resent the government, I resent the stupid people who forced the government to take such measures,’’ Mr Kydd said.

“These people just don’t seem to think this virus applies to them,’’ he said.

“This is the way to beat this virus, by limiting contact as much as possible.’’

Mr Kydd says he wants to praise all of the officials involved in this operation.

“They were fantastic,’’ he says.

“The army people were looking after transport, the loading and unloading, they were doing a great job.

“The coppers were just as good, they were in charge of the checking in at the hotel – they were methodical and efficient, great stuff.

“It’s so good to be back in Australia.’’

Sometime on Saturday, April 11, Ron Kydd will walk out of the Hilton and head home to Campbelltown.

“Can’t wait, but in the meantime I will just have to do the best I can to survive up here on the 26^th floor of the Hilton,’’ he says.