From a dream family holiday to 14 days of isolation

The warnings, restrictions and responses to the coronavirus pandemic are changing at a rapid pace.

Less than a month ago, there was no reason to think that a family holiday, a party at the pub or even a boot camp session would need to be cancelled.

But now all of those things, and many more, are off limits.

When Mel and Ben Manchee set off on their family holiday to Bali with sons Angus and Will, the government’s strict social distancing and self-isolation measures were not in place.

On March 15, when the family were just two days into their much-anticipated getaway, Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced that anyone arriving into Australia from overseas, from midnight, would need to self-isolate for 14 days.

The Manchees still managed to enjoy their holiday but were in a private villa so didn’t spend too much time out and about.

The family arrived back into Australia on March 20 and have done exactly the right thing since their return – they’ve stayed at their Narrabri home in isolation and are all feeling well, no signs of COVID-19.

Today (Thursday) is day 13 of self-isolation for the family and day 14 could not come soon enough.

“It’s definitely been an adjustment,” said Mel who normally works for Member for Barwon Roy Butler.

“I’ve been really lucky that I can do some work from home so that has definitely helped my mental state.

“And the kids have also been doing some homeschooling.

“Obviously the kids have had a bit more technology time than what they usually would but they’ve also been playing with lots of Lego and they’ve been building lots of things.

“So we’re coping quite well.”

Mel said her family is incredibly grateful for the support and supplies that have been dropped off, from a social distance of course.

“We can’t leave the house and we’ve had to rely on friends and family to buy all of our groceries and essentials.

“We’re definitely looking forward to Saturday when we can go and do our own grocery shopping and just get outside of the house – that will be nice.

“Everyone has been awesome but it’s been hard relying on other people.

“There’s been some super nice people like Shop 2390 that delivered some goods for us.”

Anyone who follows Mel on social media would know about her love and flair for design and decoration, and it’s been out in full force while she’s been in isolation.

“It has been the perfect time to get all the odd jobs and paint touch-ups done.

“The master bedroom and laundry have both had a good makeover and the house has been rearranged a couple of times (at least).”

As always, Mel is being incredibly positive – her family is still together (and sane) after almost a fortnight in isolation. And they’re all in good health.

“We’re definitely trying to be positive and trying to enjoy this extra family time.

“To everyone else who is going through isolation – I hope that you’re staying sane.

“It does end, try and enjoy it as much as you can and keep a smile going,” said Mel.

Mel Manchee and her son Will recorded this video about their experiences in self-isolation, for Roy Butler’s Facebook page, and were happy to share it with The Courier.