“The door edge is one end and the window is the other end of my domain where I have to spend the next fourteen days,” he said.
“There is no pool or sauna access, nor any bar or restaurant access; everything is closed and a security guard is standing in the hallway to monitor us.”
If we try to move out of the room, there is a possible fine of $19,000.
Shahwaiz is currently staying at a hotel in Melbourne, under 14-day quarantine. Source: Supplied
“There is no choice of food as to what we want to eat.”
I have to eat whatever is given to me.
“Yesterday I got a meal of mashed potatoes peas and a piece of lamb.
Peas are the only food I hate and eighty per cent of the meal was peas; so I opted for the fasting."
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My life during Self Isolation
However, Shahwaiz says the option to buy or get anything from outside was provided by the authorities.
“They told us that if we want anything from a grocery store or if something is urgently required, we can always ask.
Australian borders are currently closed for the international travellers, but Australian citizens and permanent residents can return to Australia.
From 11:59 pm on Saturday 28 March 2020, all travellers arriving in Australia via air or seaports must undergo 14 days of isolation in the city of their arrival.
The Department of Health website that “The Australian Government will provide accommodation for the quarantine period.”
Coming to Australia
Shahwaiz says that it is not just the isolation that is challenging, even coming to Australia was not easy.
“My company offered me the option to come back to Australia and I took it,” said the 26-year-old said.
According to his travel agent, most of the airlines had cancelled their flights to Australia.
“There was only one flight available and I took it right away. But it wasn’t cheap.
“The ticket was expensive, 2,000 pounds for an economy seat which is about 4,000 dollars.”
The flight was the next day and after 24 hours of travelling, he reached Melbourne.
“The health workers and policemen were lined up when I came out of the plane,” recalls Shahwaiz.
“My temperature was checked along with queries regarding my travel.
“I was told that due to the compulsory quarantine I will be staying at a hotel for the next fourteen days.
Shahwaiz and around eight more passengers were transferred to the hotel which took an hour.
“The security was always along with us both at the front and back of the bus.
It felt like top criminals were being escorted to their destination.
SBS Urdu's Waqar Ali interviewing Shahwaiz Qureshi who is in 14-day isolation at a Melbourne hotel. Source: SBS
Looking forward
Shahwaiz says it would have been better if we were tested for COVID-19 instead of a fourteen-day quarantine at an expensive hotel.
“It is the tax-payers’ money that is being used to bill the five-star hotel facility.
“I understand that it is not easy but another option of testing is there too.”
However, Shahwaiz says his family is happy that he is closer to them if not at home, and he is looking forward to meeting them.
People in Australia must stay at least 1.5 metres away from others and gatherings are limited to two people unless you are with your family or household.
If you believe you may have contracted the virus, call your doctor (don’t visit) or contact the national Coronavirus Health Information Hotline on 1800 020 080.
If you are struggling to breathe or experiencing a medical emergency, call 000.
SBS is committed to informing Australia’s diverse communities about the latest COVID-19 developments. News and information is available in 63 languages at
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